Chapter 25
A Question of Betrothal
Author's Note: Unfortunately, the busy Saturday does not begin in this chapter. McGonagall's discussion in this chapter paved way for – well – you'll see. There's a reason the chapter is titled this way!
Happy Mother's Day to all mothers, especially my own. In honor of this holiday, I introduce you to one of the better mothers in this fine story! By coincidence, the in-story date this mother is introduced just so happens to be my own mother's birthday.
Warning: Fem-Slash (Brief Kissing Scene)
(Thursday, December 17th, 1994)
Harry Potter couldn't believe the difference a week made. One week ago, he was sitting there at this very spot in the Transfiguration Classroom, while transfiguring a guinea fowl into a guinea pig. One week ago, at this point in time, Hermione Granger was simply his best and most faithful friend. One week ago, at this time, he still considered Ron a friend, if only a fair-weathered friend. Now, here he was in the Transfiguration Classroom, relaxing, having finished his end-of-term Transfiguration exam ten minutes ago. Hermione Granger was now his girlfriend and date to the Yule Ball. And Ron Weasley? His ex-best friend was sitting in a DMLE Holding Cell, no longer a Hogwarts student.
Yes, what a difference a week made.
He looked over at Hermione, who, ever since she had finished her own Transfiguration exam fifteen minutes ago, had been going over her notes for the Defense exam that would take place after lunch. Even though her recently-unblocked eidetic memory made the need to study for a test unnecessary, she still believed she needed to study for the exam.
He blushed pink when he noticed her looking at him, with a thoughtful smile.
"What?" she asked.
"Just thinking what a difference a week made," Harry said, "At this time last week –"
"You were still my best friend instead of boyfriend and date to the Ball," Hermione said, grinning. "Yes, that very thought did cross my mind after I had finished my exam."
"You too, huh?" Harry asked. "Feels like the last week has been longer than normal."
"Well, so much has happened," Hermione said.
"Yeah, I was just thinking about all of it," Harry said.
"No regrets?" Hermione asked.
"Aside from the regret that I hadn't asked you out months ago?" Harry replied, then shook his head, "No, not really. Even being in the Triwizard Tournament has brought good things. I might not have asked you so quickly, if I hadn't been a Champion, and wasn't expected to have a partner to open the Ball with. By the time I did get around to asking you -"
"I might have already had a date," Hermione said, she bit her lip, looking thoughtful; then she smiled. "Or maybe I would have waited, hoping you would ask me."
"Or maybe Ron and Ginny's plans would have gone into fruition, and we would be falling for their traps," Harry said, raising an eyebrow.
"True – I hadn't considered that," Hermione said, frowning; then she smiled again, "Yes, I suppose there are some good things about you being stuck in a dangerous tournament."
Harry smiled, but any reply he had was interrupted by Professor McGonagall clearing her throat loudly.
"I do believe the last exam has been turned in," McGonagall said. "Very good, all of you. I believe all of you in here aren't leaving for Christmas Break until the day after the Yule Ball, so there is no need for any well-wishes for those of you going home this Saturday. I will just say to enjoy yourselves over the next couple weeks of your break, and to come back expecting to work just as hard as usual in my class. We'll be moving on to more difficult subjects. I do hope these exams prove that you are ready for such subjects. Mr. Potter and Miss Granger, remain behind for a few minutes after the bell rings."
Harry and Hermione nodded their agreement. The bell rang moments later, and most of the students collected their bags and knapsacks, then bustled out of the classroom chatting away with their friends.
Professor McGonagall walked over to Harry and Hermione.
"I received a letter from Director Amelia Bones this morning," McGonagall said. "She gave me three messages she suggested I should pass on to you. The first, Mr. Potter, is that Director Bones has already predicted that the Headmaster would likely attempt to prevent you from attending Sirius Black's trial – whether it be as a witness, or as a spectator. Therefore, she is working her defense for Sirius around your parents' Will and the original events surrounding that Halloween in 1981. Therefore, you do not need to be concerned about attending your godfather's trial."
"Does she need a written statement from me about my parents' Will?" Harry asked. "Something that shows proof I allowed her to read the Will?"
"She does not," McGonagall said, "She said she's going to tell a white-lie to the Wizengamot and say she received the Will from Keeper Ragnok the Sixth. Technically it is the truth."
"She just won't be telling them I gave her permission to do so," Harry said.
"Indeed," McGonagall said, "Can you figure out why?"
"Because the Headmaster will be there," Harry said. "She doesn't want him knowing I visited Gringotts yet – not until I claim my seats at the start of the Wizengamot Council Session on Monday."
"Very good, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said, "The Headmaster is already suspicious of Director Bones when it comes to your godfather. He asked me if Director Bones had said anything about Sirius Black whilst she was here yesterday. Let's just say I've told him my fair share of white lies about what really happened yesterday. The Headmaster knows Director Bones visited with a couple Aurors – but he only believes she was here to speak to the Weasleys."
"Definitely a good thing," Harry said.
"The Headmaster hasn't seen past your lies yet, ma'am?" Hermione asked.
"I've known the Headmaster a very long time, Miss Granger," McGonagall said. "I know him better than most – aside from, perhaps his eldest friends and his brother, Aberforth, who is the owner of the Hog's Head in Hogsmeade. I know how to tell him stories when I don't want him to know certain truths."
Harry had been rather surprised about the revelation that Albus had a brother, and that his brother owned a bar in Hogsmeade. But he decided not to ask anything about that.
"As for Director Bones' second message," McGonagall said. "She gave me an update about Ron and Ginny Weasley and what is going to happen to them."
"Aren't they going to have trials on Saturday along with their mother and Sirius?" Harry asked.
"No, there will be no trial for Ron and Ginny," McGonagall said; before Harry and Hermione could react more than a gasp of shock, she raised a hand to stop them. "Molly Weasley made a deal for her children. Molly Weasley agreed to fully cooperate during her trial on Saturday. She will be completely honest about her crimes and everything she's done. In return, if she proves to complete this deal, Ron and Ginny will neither have to go through criminal trials in front of the Wizengamot, nor will they be going to Azkaban.
"Instead the will be in custody of Arthur Weasley, and Molly's Great Aunt Muriel Prewett. Ron and Ginny will have their magic bound with four bindings – five is the limit – and banned from using a wand, until their seventeenth birthday. They will be home-schooled learning non-practical magical subjects. Transfiguration, Charms and Defense while only reading books. And they can also learn Potions and Herbology. Amelia believes that, with enough study, they can pass their OWLS and qualify for their seventh year of education by their seventeenth birthdays."
"I doubt Ron will do well with that at all," Harry said, "He absolutely hates reading books that aren't comic books or about Quidditch."
"And absolutely no using magic either," Hermione said, "Yeah. Ron's going to be horrible with all of it. I suppose home-schooling, and having their magic bound, does seem like a suitable punishment."
"Do you know Muriel Prewett, ma'am?" Harry asked.
"I do," McGonagall said, "She used to be a Professor here when I was a student."
"So a very long time ago," Harry teased, with a grin, making Hermione emit a shocked giggle.
"You little scamp!" McGonagall retorted; then she sobered. "Muriel Prewett is an excellent teacher. However, she is also rather strict and someone you don't want to cross." She raised an eyebrow. "Someone like me I suppose you can say if you so wished to, Mr. Potter."
"I would never!" Harry said, with a mock-gasp.
McGonagall pursed her lips and shook her head. "Just like your father sometimes, Mr. Potter. I fear what you're going to be like next year with a full summer of hanging about with Sirius Black!"
"I'll be there to make sure he behaves, Professor," Hermione said, grinning.
"Well, if Lily Evans could tame her group of boys," McGonagall said, "I am sure you can tame Mr. Potter here."
"A difficult task, I am sure," Hermione teased, grinning at Harry.
Harry rolled his eyes. "What was Director Bones' third message for us?"
"I should call it a piece of advice," McGonagall said, "It was something I have been giving some thought to ever since our visit to Gringotts. In fact, Keeper Ragnok spoke to me about this very thing when you were with the Goblin Healers. Director Bones, Keeper Ragnok and I, all firmly believe the two of you should consider penning a Betrothal Contract between the pair of you."
Harry stammered and couldn't find a good response to this.
"It seems a bit early, doesn't it?" Hermione asked.
"Not for this purpose, Miss Granger," McGonagall said. "You see, on Monday, the magical society of Great Britain will discover your new titles as Lord and Heiress respectively. Every single Noble Lord and Lady in our society will know there is young Lord and Heiress newly available for them to attempt to get closer to. As the Great Alliance is well-known to be a close-knit group, these Lords and Ladies would need to find other ways to attempt to get close to you."
"Offers of Betrothal," Hermione muttered.
"One of the most common strategies, aside from offers of Alliances," McGonagall said, with a nod, "Even though the two of you being a couple is well-known - thanks, not only to our strategy, but also Rita Skeeter's articles – you shouldn't believe this will stop the Lords from not believing your relationship is a forever kind of thing, whether it is or not. You are young, after all, and most Lords and Ladies will not know the quality of your relationship. They will make their own opinions, which tend to be selfish sometimes.
"Therefore, I believe you two will still be swamped with Betrothal offers coming to either both of you as well as, perhaps, Keeper Ragnok, as your Gringotts representative. If you announce a Betrothal between the pair of you, that would certainly go a long way to prevent this.
"Now, the Betrothal Contract doesn't need to be binding. It doesn't need to mean that you will have to get married. You could cancel it in the future if you wish. Given that you are a Lord and Heiress of three well-known Houses, it wouldn't be considered a faux-pas for you to have a Betrothal Contract between the two of you. Our society would believe it to be real – whether you want it to be or not."
"Don't I need my parents to agree to this?" Hermione asked.
McGonagall shook her head. "You are Harry's Vassal. Technically, he is your Magical Guardian and therefore only he needs to be your representative for the Betrothal Contract."
"I still feel I need to speak to my parents about this," Hermione said. "I can stress the fact that this wouldn't be official, just a preventative measure. I haven't even told them I am Heiress of a Pureblood House yet!"
"Well, the two of you do not need to decide this just yet," McGonagall said, "But you need to make the decision by the time you claim your seats on the Wizengamot. I believe Keeper Ragnok is already prepared for this, in case you decide to meet with him."
Hermione bit her lip and took on a thoughtful expression as she looked at Harry. He coughed and cleared his throat.
"We have time to discuss it between now and Monday, Hermione," Harry said.
Hermione smiled. "I'll write to my parents tonight. Their opinion about all of this will help me make my decision."
"I think that is a good idea," Harry said.
"Me too, Miss Granger," McGonagall said. "Let us change the subject for the time being. Mr. Potter, have you given any more thought as to the location for your meeting with the Children of the Great Alliance?"
"Oh, I found a place, Professor!" Harry said.
Harry then explained how Dobby had led him to the Room of Requirement, and what it did.
"A blank wall across from the dancing trolls on the seventh floor?" McGonagall said, "So that's what that was! I've always wondered."
"You've encountered this room before, Professor?" Hermione asked.
"I believe I have," McGonagall said, "Several years ago, I caught a certain pair of students coming out of a broom closet I had never encountered before. When I came back to record the location in my notes, the broom closet was no longer there."
"This couple wouldn't have been my parents, would they?" Harry asked, curiously.
"Close, Mr. Potter," McGonagall said.
Harry snickered. "Sirius and Director Bones?"
McGonagall's smirk made Harry chuckle. "It was odd seeing Miss Bones so far away from her own Common Room in Hufflepuff. Turns out he had followed her on one of her rounds. She was a Prefect, he was not. I still can't say if it was a planned meeting or not. And no, I do not know if either one of them knew about this Room of Requirement. They certainly said nothing to me."
"It isn't on the Marauder's Map," Harry said. "So I'm not sure if Sirius, nor my Dad, really knew what the room was."
"Well, it does sound like the perfect room to have your meeting in," McGonagall said, "When will the meeting take place?"
"Saturday around nine in the morning," Harry said.
"Well, then," McGonagall said, "I will do my best to keep the Headmaster or Professor Snape from discovering that a certain group of students are gathering together. Perhaps I can encourage the Headmaster to leave for the Ministry of Magic early on that day."
"Thank you, ma'am," Harry said.
"Well, I am sure you have things you must need to do before lunch," McGonagall said, "So, unless you have any questions, you may be excused."
"I assume our dance lessons for Saturday evening is still on?" Hermione asked.
"Depends on how late I am at the Ministry for the trials, Miss Granger," McGonagall said. "We can always postpone until Sunday evening if necessary. Mostly, we will just be going over the dances I taught you last Saturday. A refresher course for the Ball. I will let you know when I know, whether or not it needs to be delayed until Sunday."
"Alright," Hermione said. "That is all I have."
Harry echoed his girlfriend, and the Professor excused the two of them.
"Should I search for Daphne on the Map?" Harry asked, as they stepped out of the classroom.
Hermione agreed, and Harry removed the Map from his pocket. He opened it up and searched for Daphne Greengrass. He soon found her name.
"It looks like she's headed for one of the Greenhouses with Tracey Davis," Harry said. "They're not going there for a class, because Professor Sprout is with another group in another Greenhouse. Shall we go then?"
Hermione agreed. Harry kept the Map handy in case the two Slytherin girls changed their destination. Fifteen minutes later, they reached the Greenhouse where, according to the Map, Daphne and her friend were currently inside. Harry pocketed the Map and led Hermione into the Greenhouse.
They were met with a scene they were not expecting. Tracey Davis was leaning, almost submissively, with her back against a wall, while Daphne was leaning against her, snogging her. Harry blushed and was about to leave with Hermione, when Daphne spoke up.
"As you can clearly see, Potter," Daphne said. "This Greenhouse is occupied. Take your girlfriend elsewhere."
Harry cleared his throat and turned back to the Slytherins. Tracey Davis looked rather embarrassed at having been caught in such a compromising position, but Daphne had her arms crossed over her chest and was staring at Harry and Hermione.
"Is that any way to speak to the leader of the Great Alliance, Heiress Greengrass?" Harry asked. "I wonder what your father would say if I wrote to him about this. I am sure he is expecting a reply to the letter he wrote me this morning, after all."
Daphne's eyes widened in shock. Then she cleared her throat and took on a rather submissive stance, bowing her head and looking at the ground. This action from the Slytherins shocked the two Gryffindors.
"I apologize for my slight, Lord Potter," she said.
Harry checked his hand. His rings were still invisible. He looked back up at the Slytherin.
"How do you know I am a Lord, Heiress Greengrass?" Harry asked.
Daphne looked back up at him. "You said you are the Leader of the Great Alliance, my Lord. You wouldn't have been able to take such a role had you not been a Lord. It would be considered a faux-pas, in our society, to do so otherwise."
Harry raised an eyebrow, then he nodded. "Well reasoned. Heiress Greengrass, I apologize for my girlfriend and I walking in on such a private moment. I was… informed you were here, and I needed to speak to you. If I had known about what was taking place in here, I would not have barged in."
"Apology accepted, my Lord," Daphne said, "What did you need to see me about? I was not aware you were in contact with my father."
"I am Lord of two Houses," Harry said, causing Daphne and Tracey's jaws to drop, "Lord Potter of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter, and Lord Peverell of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Peverell. House Peverell is a Neutral House. I was informed House Greengrass is the only other Neutral House in the Great Alliance – for the moment, at least."
Houses Davis and Blishwick were Neutral Houses, after all.
"I wrote to your father last night," Harry continued, "to ask him if he will be the Proxy for House Peverell. He graciously accepted and said he was honored."
"It is quite an honor you have given to my father and my House, my Lord," Daphne said, "I thank you."
"I also told your father that I am planning on arranging a meeting with the Children of the Great Alliance," Harry continued. "He suggested to me to add a couple of names who may qualify as a member of the group in the near future." He glanced at Tracey, whose eyes widened. "Tracey Davis, here, and your Uncle, Ivan Blishwick. Houses Davis and Blishwick – if all goes well – will soon take their long-awaited place in the Great Alliance."
"Th-thank you, my Lord!" Tracey said, "This means a lot to me… and my father, I assure you!"
"I invite the both of you to a meeting of the Children of the Great Alliance on Saturday morning at nine-o-clock," Harry continued, "Meet me on the seventh floor near the portrait of the dancing trolls. I ask that you extend this invitation to your Uncle, Ivan, as well, Heiress Greengrass."
"I will pass along the invitation, my Lord," Daphne said, "We will be there, I assure you. None of the Children will miss this, you can be sure of that. To do so would insult our Lord Fathers – or Regents in Heir Longbottom and Heiress Bones' cases - and our Houses. Especially now that the de facto leader of our Alliance has revealed himself. Although, my sister…"
"Your sister is a first year and has no reason to be here when she can otherwise spend Christmas Break with your parents," Harry said, "She is excused from the meeting."
"Thank you, my Lord," Daphne said.
"I look forward to officially meeting all of my Allies," Harry said, "Especially the Children. I have a few… questions about their behavior towards me in the past, of course. However, neither of you have to worry about that. I am aware the both of you have been neutral toward me – unlike the majority of your house-mates in our year - and I can only hope, in time, we can upgrade our relationship from neutral acquaintances to friends."
"I believe I would favor that," Daphne said, "If I can make a request, my Lord. I trust what you – erm – walked in on will be kept secret. I know of the rumors going around of us going to the Ball together. That is true. But everyone believes we're just friends."
"Nobody will hear of the truth of your relationship from me, Heiress Greengrass," Harry said, then glanced at Hermione, "Nor from my girlfriend. I will keep the secrets of my Allies, as long as those secrets are not harmful to myself, my friends, or the Great Alliance."
"Thank you, my Lord," Daphne said; Tracey echoed her, meekly.
"Of course," Harry said, "We will leave you now. I will see you in class."
The four students exchanged farewells, and Harry and Hermione left the Greenhouse.
"That was so awkward," Hermione said, as they walked hand-in-hand away from the Greenhouses.
"Unfortunately the Marauder's Map doesn't tell us if someone is snogging," Harry said, grinning, "Though their footprints on the map were rather close to each other now that I think about it."
"I didn't mean that," Hermione said, "Well, that was awkward too, of course. I mean – it was awkward to feel like I shouldn't be a part of the conversation."
"I'm sorry, Hermione," Harry said, squeezing her hand, "They do not know about your title, and I wasn't about to refer to you as my Vassal just yet either. In their point-of-view, you had no reason to be a part of that meeting. You will be a part of the meeting on Saturday, however. House Dagworth-Granger will be a part of the Great Alliance, therefore you are in the same position as Heir Blishwick and Heiress Davis."
"Technically, Tracey isn't an Heiress," Hermione said, "During one of my rare conversations, I learned Tracey has an elder brother, out of Hogwarts. Her brother is the Heir. She's third-in-line. Now that I think on it, she's probably destined to be the wife of a Lord. That's going to be an issue, since…"
She nodded her head in the direction of the Greenhouses, and Harry knew what she meant.
"We'll support them with whatever issues they may have in the future, Hermione," Harry said, "As Daphne is our Ally, and Tracey soon will be, we shouldn't consider otherwise."
"I agree," Hermione said, "Harry, you did brilliantly in there. Acting all Lordly like that! It was impressive!"
"It was rather awkward," Harry said, "But it just felt like the right thing to do. Though the start of the conversation…"
"Was exactly what you needed to do," Hermione said. "You needed to speak to Daphne, and she needed to know of your position as the Leader of the Great Alliance."
"What was that with her being so submissive?" Harry asked.
"I think it had to do with how she was raised," Hermione said, "When she realized you were a Lord, she treated you like the rest of the Lords she knows. Calling you 'my Lord' and all that. It is probably what she was taught to do. You and Daphne may be her age, but you are a Lord now. She recognizes that. You should probably expect more of that from the other Children. Especially if you go through with your plans to… address their behavior with you over past issues."
"I can't do otherwise, Hermione," Harry said, "It must be addressed, so I can know where I stand with my Allies, especially as we will be spending many years with each other as Alliance members, if they wish to remain in the Great Alliance."
"You're right, of course," Hermione said; then she grinned. "It is a fine day. How about we go to our private spot on the Grounds, my Lord, so I can reward you with a long snog for your wonderful performance with the Slytherins."
Harry smiled. "I would be happy to do so, Heiress Dagworth-Granger. Lead on."
Harry and Hermione were a little late, but looking quite satisfied, as they arrived in the Great Hall for lunch.
(Friday, December 18th, 1994)
Emma Granger yawned, as she walked across the bottom floor of her elegant two-story home in Crawley, and stepped into the kitchen, planning to make breakfast for her and her husband, Daniel, as she usually did before they headed off to their dentistry practice. She stopped in her tracks, just as she entered the combined kitchen/dining room.
A snowy owl was perched on top of a chair at the dining table, staring at her. Emma knew who this owl was, of course. Her name was Hedwig and she belonged to her daughter's best friend, Harry Potter. Wait… he was her boyfriend now. That's right! Hermione's boyfriend had given her permission to borrow this beautiful owl whenever she wanted to send letters home from Hogwarts. Speaking of letters, Emma spotted a scroll of parchment tied to Hedwig's leg.
"Well, good morning, Hedwig," Emma said, brightly. "I trust you have another letter from my daughter for me?"
Hedwig barked, and nodded her head. Emma was used to the owl's behavior, so she wasn't too surprised at this.
"I assume she wants a reply?" Emma asked.
Hedwig nodded again.
"Very well then," Emma said.
She walked over to the chair and untied the letter from the owl's leg. Then she sat down in a neighboring chair. She unrolled the scroll and began to read her daughter's letter.
Dear Mum and Dad,
Sorry for not writing more lately. I've been very busy, and several things have happened recently. I will be explaining most of this when I come home with Harry on Boxing Day. Harry is very much looking forward to staying with us for Christmas Break, and he is looking forward to officially meeting both of you.
The last day of end-of-term exams is today, and then I'll be spending a few free days simply enjoying spending time with my boyfriend and friends who are remaining at Hogwarts for the Yule Ball, before heading home for a shortened Christmas break. I am sure my boyfriend and I will find something to do. Relax, Daddy, I'm just teasing you. We haven't done anything beyond snogging yet.
Now for the reason I am writing this letter. There was something I left out of my last letter to you. I recently found out, Daddy, that you and I are descended from Pureblood wizards! The last magical descendant in our family was Hector Dagworth-Granger, a very famous wizard in magical society. He founded what is known as the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers, which is a pretty big deal here in the wizarding world as I understand. Apparently a good number of modern Potion recipes were created by the members of this society!
So what does this mean for me? I am officially known, in magical society, as Hermione Jean Granger, Heiress Dagworth-Granger, the future Lady of the Noble House of Dagworth-Granger. This basically means that when I turn seventeen years old I will be seen as a Noble Lady in magical society. As a Muggleborn, this a rather rare thing. There may be some rather bad reactions to this in the future, but it is also expected that there will be some very good reactions.
Unfortunately, there is bad news for both of these cases. Because I am simply a Heiress right now, there could be threats of somebody taking advantage of my title for their own selfish means. So, to counteract this, Professor McGonagall – who I am sure you remember as the woman who visited us to originally tell us that I was a witch – advised me to do two things.
Before I can reveal this, there is something else I need to reveal. My boyfriend, Harry Potter, has recently discovered he is a Lord of two different Houses. The Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter, and the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Peverell. This is a pretty big deal – even bigger than Harry simply being known by that ridiculous moniker 'The Boy-Who-Lived'. Now, you may be wondering why he is a Lord, even though he is fourteen years old. Let's just say there are circumstances beyond his control that caused him to become a Lord already.
Now, because I am a Muggleborn, and because my boyfriend is a Lord, there were certain things that were able to take place. Recently I agreed to become a Vassal of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter. Now, this doesn't sound as bad as you might think it does, Mum and Dad! This isn't about servitude! It is simply a way for me to be protected in magical society. Harry has become my Magical Guardian, replacing my Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. I cannot tell you why until we return home, but believe me. This is a very good thing!
Yesterday, Professor McGonagall gave me and Harry another piece of advice. This is bigger than the whole Vassal thing. Do not react too harshly before I am finished with this explanation. Professor McGonagall has suggested that Harry and I become entered in a Betrothal Contract. Now, the Betrothal doesn't have to become official, technically. It would be seen as official, but it would be an open contract. Meaning I can back out of the contract if I find it necessary to in the future.
But there is a good reason for this Contract. In a few days, the magical society is going to learn about mine and Harry's titles. In a society of Noble Lords and Ladies, this is going to be a very big deal. These Noble Lords and Ladies are going to try to take advantage of there being a new Lord and Heiress – and future Lady – in the magical society. Professor McGonagall has warned us that one of the strategies these Lords and Ladies are going to use is to try and offer Harry and I Betrothal Contracts. So the best way to prevent any of these Lords and Ladies from believing we're going to be open to these offers, is for Harry and I to pen a Betrothal of our own.
As I said, the Contract would be open-ended. It won't be official unless we make it so. However, Mum, Dad, there is a real chance I might want this to be official in the future. I really do love Harry, and I firmly feel as if I am in love with him. Yes, you might believe it is too early in our relationship. Yesterday marked the end of our first week together a couple, after all! But we've been best friends for three and a half years or so. I know my heart, and I know there will be no way I will drop out of being in love with Harry Potter. He is it for me. I know it may sound like something an immature teenager might say. But I promise, I am being honest with my feelings here. I do see myself being with him for the rest of my life. I see us raising a family together.
The reason I am talking about the Betrothal Contract in a letter, instead of face-to-face is because we believe we may need to create the Contract, and announce it to the magical society in the next few days. Like, before Harry and I see you on Boxing Day.
Because you are simply seen as Muggles to magical society, you have no actual say in my Betrothal Contract. Technically, as my Magical Guardian, Harry is the only one required to approve of my Betrothal Contract, which is an irony in itself, but there you go. But I need to know you support this, if only so we can use the Contract as a precaution to prevent contracts other Noble Lords and Ladies.
Even if you do not support this, I might have to go through with it anyway. For my own good, and the good of my boyfriend. Especially since most of those girls Harry will get Betrothal offers for are our fellow students here at Hogwarts!
I will be looking forward to your letter,
Your loving daughter,
Hermione
Emma set the letter down and stared forward, thinking about what her daughter had just revealed to her. How had her daughter found herself in a position like this? When she had first seen Hedwig, she thought Hermione might simply be writing her to gossip about her first week of having a boyfriend. At worst, she expected the girl to brag and gossip about how good a kisser the boy was or whatever, even though she clearly knew her father would be reading the letter.
But this?
"What have you gotten yourself into, my dear girl?" Emma said.
"What was that?" Emma's husband, Daniel, asked, as he stepped into the kitchen/dining room. "Oh, hello, Hedwig! Did she bring a letter from Hermione?"
"She did," Emma said, glancing down at the letter, "And she can understand you."
Hedwig barked at Daniel in annoyance.
"My apologies, you beautiful lady," Daniel said.
Hedwig hooted and preened herself.
"I think she forgives you," Emma said, "Yes, our daughter wrote us… a very long letter. And… well… I'll let you read it. Then we can discuss the contents of it."
"Is it that bad?" Daniel asked, then he narrowed his eyes. "That Potter boy is treating her right, isn't he? He hasn't taken advantage of her?"
"Daniel Granger!" Emma scowled, "I told you to cut down on your protective father act by Boxing Day, and it looks like you've gotten worse! Harry Potter is a fine boy!"
"He hasn't formally introduced himself to us, has he?" Daniel asked, "He's always in the background when we're around. I don't even think he knows our names! And then there is his –"
"Don't you say one word about the state of his clothing!" Emma retorted, "Hermione's given us all kinds of theories about why he wears those kinds of clothes – and about that family of his he lives with!"
"Wait... Potter… that isn't the ginger-haired boy?" Daniel asked, then he smacked his forehead, "Ah, damn it. No, he is the one with the glasses… and that scar."
"Daniel Granger," Emma scolded, "You're ranting about him not knowing our names and here you stand getting the names of Hermione's friends confused!"
"Damn, now I feel I need to apologize to the young man," Daniel said. "I thought he was that poorly mannered boy who hated Crookshanks. The one who definitely doesn't deserve to be our daughter's boyfriend."
"And what about Harry?" Emma asked.
"He's… better than the ginger," Daniel allowed. "He does deserve my apology. I'll say that."
"Yes, well, you keep that in mind when you read your daughter's letter," Emma said.
"It is one of those letters?" Daniel asked.
"I'm going to get your coffee ready," Emma said.
"It is one of those letters," Daniel said, sighing. "Great."
Emma simply stood, walked over to Daniel and kissed him on the cheek. Then she walked over to the kitchen. By the time the coffee was beginning to drip into the pot, Daniel had finished the letter. Now he was simply staring at Emma with wide eyes.
"You read this entire letter, right?" Daniel asked.
"Yes, dear, I did," Emma said.
"So, this… Betrothal Contract thing?" Daniel asked.
"Sounds just like she said," Emma said, "A Preventative measure to stop others from taking advantage of her… and her newfound fame, apparently."
"I've never heard of the name Hector," Daniel muttered, "Dagworth sounds slightly familiar. Where have I heard that name?"
"Hector was a wizard, dear," Emma said, "Not exactly fine conversation amongst us Muggles, you know. From what I can gather from the conversations we've had about her world over the past three years, it would seem that you and Hermione are descended from a… Squib… I think it was. Non-Magical member of a magical family. This Squib had non-magical children and then when we had Hermione, she became the first magical child in a few generations. Now that I think on it, this might be more common among Muggleborns then the wizards and witches believe. Especially when you consider genetics. I mean… how can pure non-magical people without a magical background produce a magical child? There must be a magical descendant in most, if not all, Muggleborn families. Are you listening to me, Daniel Granger?"
"Hmm?" Daniel asked, staring at the letter, "Yes, I'm just trying to decide if I should write a letter solely to our daughter's boyfriend."
"Your daughter would read the letter anyway," Emma said.
"We've taught her better than that!" Daniel retorted.
"He's her boyfriend, and he would be getting a letter from one of us," Emma said.
"Damn, you're right," Daniel said.
"It could be worse, Dan," Emma said.
"How?" Daniel asked.
"She could have said she was sexually active with the boy," Emma said, "Or pregnant with his child."
Daniel winced. "I had to ask, didn't I?"
"Just you being you, dear," Emma said, "So… how do we respond?"
(That evening before dinner…)
Harry and Hermione were in their Private Common Room in the Lion's Den, celebrating the end of their end-of-term exams with – according to Harry – well-deserved snog. Hermione had simply rolled her eyes at his comment, but had agreed and kissed her boyfriend. They had been snogging for the past several minutes, taking breaks every couple of minutes to get a breath of fresh air. Harry's hands were in Hermione's own hands, just so they wouldn't move anywhere they shouldn't be. As Hermione had said in her letter to her parents, they had not gone beyond snogging yet.
Speaking of letters…
Their snogging session was interrupted with a loud crack as Dobby appeared in the middle of the room. Harry pouted when Hermione backed away. He would have jokingly scolded Dobby for interrupting their snogging, but the house-elf would have probably taken it too seriously and wanted to punish himself.
"Great Harry Potter's owl friend Hedwig has returned with a letter from Hermy's parents," Dobby announced.
"Thank you, Dobby!" Hermione gushed, as she took the offered letter, "I didn't think I'd get a reply until tomorrow morning."
"You're excused, Dobby," Harry said.
The house-elf bowed and vanished. Harry watched as Hermione proceeded to read the letter. He couldn't figure out by her facial expressions, so he couldn't figure out whether the letter was good news or bad. He only spoke up when she put the letter on her lap.
"Well?" Harry asked.
"They have agreed to support us if we decide to pen a Betrothal Contract," Hermione said.
Harry nodded. They hadn't really discussed the idea of the Contract since Professor McGonagall had spoken to them about it the previous day. They had been waiting for Hermione's parents to reply to her letter about the subject.
"So what should we do?" Harry asked, "This is entirely your decision."
"We should go through with it, Harry," Hermione said, "If only as a preventative measure for now. We've already discussed the moment you would propose to me, you know. By the way, Betrothal or not, I am still expecting that proposal on my seventeenth birthday, Harry James. This doesn't mean we're engaged. This just means – what does it mean?"
"It means two things, I suppose," Harry said, "We're agreeing that marriage is something that could happen in the future. And we're also making sure everyone else knows that too."
"Yes, it does mean exactly that," Hermione agreed.
"So should we visit Ragnok Monday after we claim our seats and choose proxies?" Harry asked. "Should we pen a Betrothal Contract?"
"Yes, Harry," Hermione said, softly, but firmly, "I very much believe we should definitely do that.."
"Good," Harry sad, "Because I've thought the very same thing since lunchtime yesterday."
"I decided we should when we were relaxing and snogging out at our spot on the Grounds," Hermione said.
"This is not a competition, dear," Harry said.
"It is not," Hermione agreed. "Harry? Even if my parents said 'no', I would have agreed to pen a Betrothal. Their opinion didn't matter, not in this case. My letter was simply to tell them what was going to happen, and my hope that they did support me."
"Which they did," Harry said.
"Yes," Hermione said, "I think that means my parents approve of you, Harry."
"I'm honored," Harry said, "Especially since I've only known their first names for less than a week."
Hermione giggled. Then she squeaked as he pulled her toward him, and they once again resumed their snogging session as if they had not been interrupted at all.
So there's a fairly fluffy chapter – along with a couple of important conversations – some of my readers have been wanting between Harry and Hermione for a while now.
I absolutely loved writing the conversation in the Greenhouse, and the Granger parents scene. The letter was a lot longer than I planned, but oh well. Hermione does seem like the type to write monstrously large letters to her parents.
Next Chapter: The beginning of a very busy Saturday! The Children of the Great Alliance Meeting… and the Dursley's perfectly normal Saturday morning are interrupted by a representative from Gringotts Bank!