Chapter Text
Two Additional Signatures – Chapter 1 (Finding Out)
"Harry, you are only thirteen years old. Don't tell me you are asking what I think you are," Percy Weasley commented, his Headboy badge felt heavy in his hand. He was currently entering his seventh and final year of Hogwarts. Which meant it was the most important year of his life.
He couldn't say the amount of relief that Harry had gotten it back for him. And he should have known his younger brother had stolen it. He didn't know what Harry did to get it back without them knowing, wasn't sure he wanted to just yet. Thankfully it was before they could do any damage to it. He had only gotten the letter with the badge the other day.
Harry wanted to pull his hair, "what do you want to me do!? They want me to marry your little sister. Your own mother! I don’t understand on why she would do this… Like I—I can't. I don't even want to think of this at all and then some mad murderer is after me... I don't know what to think—"
"Murderer?!" Percy repeated. He wasn’t sure if he had heard Harry correctly, he really hoped he hadn’t.
Harry gave a slow nod, "the Minister tried to play it off, but even I know that he doesn't just check in on some student. Doesn't matter on my stupid title that they think I should have. There was more to it. Your dad gave me more information to rely on. But I know what I am asking for and I wouldn’t be asking if it wasn’t important, you know that. But I actually need your help for this."
Percy was at a loss. He knew who Harry was talking about, everyone had. The escape of Peter Pettigrew was infamous. The fact that he escaped to go after Harry Potter seemed like a big leap to him. He had known about Peter Pettigrew since he was a kid. Everyone had heard about the Potters, and it was as he got older that he learned about who Pettigrew was and what he did to the Potters, their best friends. To hear that he was after Harry was a bit hard to swallow. He had heard about Harry Potter as a child but hearing those stories and knowing him for over two years were two different things. A Death Eater was nothing to laugh about.
Harry had been one of the students he had looked after as his job as a Prefect. He wouldn't have thought he would create a tentative friendship with someone that was four years younger than him.
"Percy, Gringotts was the one that told me about it. I only have two years before I can't do anything about it. What do you expect me to do? I don’t want to get married to Ginny! I don’t even know what I want. But I would rather do this than worry about someone that just looks at my fame. No offense," Harry admitted.
It was hard enough to think about the words he had heard. He could remember them and hadn't understood how it came to that. The goblins had informed him that his Magical Guardian had drafted the contract, which wasn't illegal, where his parents were dead. He didn't know his parents, so he didn't know if the position was legit or not.
And up to that point, Harry had always placed his trust in Dumbledore. He had since he was eleven years old. It had begun to waver from that moment. He hadn’t known what to think or what to trust.
He was desperate to find a way out of this, to get some kind of control over his life. It had been the reason that he approached Percy to begin with.
Being married wasn’t something that Harry would think about, especially not at thirteen. But he hated it even more when he was being forced into this. He had no interest in Ginny, not as a friend and definitely not as someone he would like romantically. From what he saw, she only liked him for being the Boy-Who-Lived and the fame that came with it. That was the last person he would want to be with.
He was friends with Percy and knew he probably would help him out. Which was the reason why he was the first person he asked. He couldn’t imagine what he would do if Percy said no.
"But you could come to love each other," Percy tried half-heartedly. "You're only 13, you don't know what you want yet." Although, by the stubborn and desperate look in Harry's eyes, he knew what was coming.
"I know I don't want to be boxed in with no options!"
Percy slightly wavered at that but didn’t say anything yet.
"What would you do if someone you trusted did this to you?! And you were only thirteen, what would you do?" Harry challenged. Begging Percy to understand where he was coming from.
He knew that Percy was seventeen, an adult wizard. That he was four years younger than him. He hated the fact that everyone wanted to control what he was to do. He was getting sick and tired of it. This contract felt like the final straw.
This wasn't something related to school and his classes while at Hogwarts. This was something that would affect the rest of his life. Past the moment he would turn seventeen. He couldn't bear the thought of it. It was enough to make him feel sick.
He could see Percy wavering. The older Gryffindor knew how much he hated his mother’s controlling nature. She had smothered Bill and Charlie into leaving the country. And she hadn't forced them into Marriage Contracts. He couldn't fathom what she was thinking, doing this to her only daughter and an orphan boy that she said was like her own.
Though he also had knowledge that Percy had planned to separate himself from his family. Granted he never met his older brothers but had seen enough of why Percy wasn't a fan of his family, especially his younger siblings.
"You're sure about this, Harry? You know that there is no taking this back. You can't just break it because you change your mind," Percy pointed out.
"Yeah, and so is the current one. The only way to override it is to have one of my own. And with my signature, it will dissolve the Marriage Contract that was done without it," Harry retorted.
"And the fact I am male?" Percy asked hesitantly, he might not have a preference for his partner, but he hadn't really seen any sign of interest in any gender from Harry before. Maybe he was like Charlie and preferred to be by himself.
That got more of a blush out of Harry as a red tint covered his cheeks.
"I'm okay with that," Harry admitted. Even though the words had come out, he wasn't sure how much he believed them. He knew that he didn't really like anyone yet. Not yet to imagine marrying someone with that intention in mind. He figured he could figure that out later. And just because he was married or whatever, didn't mean he had to actually do anything. Right?
“Do you have the contract on you so I can read it?" Percy asked, pulling Harry from his thoughts. Percy drummed his fingers thinking. Hopefully, the contract was relatively loose, but knowing his Mother, it was probably pretty strict.
Harry shook his head, "the goblins have it and it's pretty ironclad to be able to break it. The only reason this option exists is because my signature isn't on it and because fifteen is the age an Heir becomes more in control of their finances. And it's the age that any contract in existence becomes bound."
"So, do you remember what the contract lines out?" Percy asked, "Although I will still read it before either of us sign it. Do you know if there were expectations or rules to it?”
“The only reason this works is because it only says that it has to be a child borne from Molly and Arthur Weasley,” Harry admitted.
Percy nodded, “Anything else?"
"That it will be in full effect by my fifteen birthday when I, as the consort, would take claim to anything I own as a Potter. That I will only be allowed to be faithful to my consort and any betrayal will land me an outcast from my own house," Harry told him.
Which basically meant that any action after he was fifteen meant that Ginny would get access to his money and properties no matter what. He wouldn't have a chance of any happiness. There was no stipulation that she could do whatever she wanted though.
"What the fuck…" Percy breathed shaking his head. How could his Mother write this contract up? To have Harry ousted from his own house and bloodline if he didn't remain faithful in a marriage he didn't ask for?!
"I'm sorry Molly and Dumbledore did this, Harry," Percy couldn't call her Mother right now. He felt disgusted with her. How could he when she did something so horrible to someone she claimed to love like a son.
Harry blinked in surprise; he didn't think he had ever heard Percy curse. Ever.
"I thought I was the one that hanged out with Slytherins?" Harry asked with a small grin. It was a nice distraction, if not a small one.
It was hard not to think about what the contract said, he was still in shock over it all.
"Oh please," Percy laughed "I've got friends in every house." Harry grinned, relieved to have Percy with him through this.
"Thank you" Harry breathed, unable to keep his relief hidden. "I know this isn't a small thing I am asking you to do."
Percy still looked unsure about the entire thing, but he wasn't saying no either. So, it wasn't really great news but wasn't terrible news either.
Harry made an awkward cough, "I can't say that I have friends in every house. But I won't say that Terence and Graham are the best influences either."
Percy cracked another smile, "no I can't imagine they would be." He chuckled.
Harry had a weak smile at that, though he was glad there wasn't any judgement there. It was something he was used to with other Gryffindors. But he had known that Percy wasn't like other Gryffindors. with their attitude towards Slytherins. Though knowing him, he probably already knew.
"So... this with Gringotts... will you help me?" Harry hesitantly asked.
"I want to" Percy nodded, "but I do need to read the contract and make sure there isn't any catches that would make it impossible to do so."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked nervously, biting his lip.
"Some pureblood contracts have stipulations about an Heir being born in 5 years of the marriage or the contract and marriage is void."
Harry's jaw dropped at that, feeling at a loss for words.
"I didn't realize that... that they did that. But there wasn't anything there would let you break it. Now, there aren’t any stipulations for any heirs, and I have no idea how I lucked on that one. But there is nothing that would make it null and voice. But I would prefer you to read it anyways. You've always been able to catch loopholes and read between the lines."
"That's good," Percy grinned "I'm glad you read it thoroughly. But I was almost a Ravenclaw," he teased, "so I will read it myself as well. But I want to help you, my mother did this to you, and you are my friend."
Harry let out a huge sigh at that, "thank you. Like so much. I know I probably don't make this very easy and I'm sure that you would rather marry someone other than me just because your mum wanted to cause problems—"
"You don't need to thank me Harry," Percy shook his head, glowering when he saw his Mother yelling at the twins on the other side of the Leaky Cauldron. "My Mother dragged us both into this. She made this choice. Besides, no matter who I married, it never would be good enough for her." He chuckled darkly thinking about how she had lost her mind just this past summer when Ginny had let it slip that he was dating Penelope Clearwater. I mean he hadn't been dating her, she was dating his housemate, Angelina Johnson. But he was good friends with Penny, doing Prefect rounds together, he would consider her his best friend with Oliver and Angelina.
But Molly had gone mental, screaming that he can't date because he must focus on his studies if he wants to be Minister of Magic. Which he isn't even sure he wants to do; he likes Magical Law sure but being Minister? That’s a lot of pressure.
And when he said she was just a friend, Molly then scoffed and started muttering about Penny being a bad influence, and how her family is Neutral not Light. How Neutrals side with Dark but are cowards, so they don't fight for it. Which is extremely untrue and was a very prejudiced way of thinking. Neutrals side with Magic.
"Unfortunately, the Goblins said the only way to break the contract completely is with a blood contract formed by my parents or godparents. Dumbledore was smart in the way he set this up as my magical guardian and both my parents and godfather happened to die that night while my Godmother is insane," Harry said forlornly as he touched his scar.
James Potter and Sirius Black had died heroes of the Wizarding World, by the state of the downstairs entrance, they had put up a massive fight trying to give Lily time to escape with baby Harry. But as skilled as they were, Voldemort killed them both.
He had never known them because they were dead. So, this was his best shot of getting out of this. Though he knew his odds weren't great given the wording of the contract.
Though Harry had never met Ron's eldest brothers, Bill and Charlie. He hated Ron and his little sister. Percy felt like he was his only option.
He shuddered as he watched Ron stuff his face with food as he spoke loudly with Ginny. Disgusting.
He hadn't even considered either of the Twins for a moment. He had been friends with Percy and seen their behavior towards him. Though they weren't as rough as Dudley, who would break his arm. But the reminder of his cousin put him more on edge around them. They could be nice enough towards him given that he was on the Quidditch team, he wondered if Oliver had anything to do with that or not. But the targeting of students and their own siblings had been answer enough for him.
But overall, knew Percy the best out of the Weasleys, the older boy sort of taking Harry under his wing his first year. And he was definitely good looking with his big blue eyes under those silver horned glasses and strong cheekbones with a soft crooked smile.
He had the freckles, a typical trait of the Weasleys. Out of all of them, he thought Percy had made the best for himself. He had made Prefect and was now Headboy, something he learned was a very difficult achievement. It made him curious if he had helped any in that, since he had been there during his first and second years.
The young Gryffindor didn't think he would have had a good time during his first two years without Percy mentoring him. He had taken on looking after Harry and several other younger Gryffindors as well.
Though Harry never became friends with any of the Gryffindors in his year. He disliked Ron immediately because of the staring of his scar and that is all he went on about. The redhead being brash and arrogant, bossing them around like he was better than them. Always claiming that they were best friends when they weren’t. He wasn’t friends with any of them.
He knew that he didn’t make friends easily, and maybe Dudley was mostly at fault for that. He made sure that he didn’t have a single friend. So, he wasn’t expecting to when he went off to Hogwarts. He didn’t want friends and didn’t need them. So, meeting Terence Higgs and Graham Montague was a surprise.
They were older than him, he knew that. They had helped him and didn’t even stare at his scar. They didn’t even try to draw him into conversation when he would rather read a book. Perhaps that was all it took. That was before he became friends with Percy.
They were Slytherins and he didn’t mind that, despite the little chat he had with Hagrid. Not that he believed his words, it was not the first time that he had been lied to.
Though neither of the Slytherins had been fazed by the cold demeanor that the supposed Boy-Who-Lived put off. Though Terence had been entering his third year while for Graham, it was his fourth. So, they went off into conversation as if Harry wasn’t there, which suited him just fine.
Percy had been the next person he considered friends when he had made space for him at the Gryffindor table. He was also the first Prefect he had been introduced to. It earned points for him that Ron didn’t like his older brother. Given that the younger red hair had gained his hate very easily.
It made his choice as his first friends in Terence and Graham a good choice when the younger redhead started to spout his hatred for Slytherins and baby Death Eaters.
Harry was pulled out of his thoughts and memories as Percy whispered in his ear.
"Mum is taking Ginny and Ron into Diagon for some more supplies, now is the perfect time to slip away." Harry grinned and nodded, the two moving towards the entrance to Diagon, Percy telling his Father that they were going to browse Flourish and Blotts. It was easy to believe given how his older son was a bookworm. Thinking nothing of it that Harry Potter was going along with. When he was supposed to stay at the Leaky Cauldron, well, nothing was said that Harry Potter liked to listen to authority figures.
Even if one of them was the Minister of Magic.
The Alley was bustling and busy, making it easy for Harry and Percy to beeline for Gringotts while staying back and out of sight of Molly, who was grumbling about how Ron forgot two textbooks and Ginny complaining about how she doesn't want to use the robes Ron had outgrown last year. Because the last time Ron tried to take one of Harry’s books, he got cursed for it. Who said that being friendly with Slytherins was ever a bad thing?
Gringotts stood tall at the end of the Alley. The white building standing alone, the wonky pillars framing the entrance. The Cedar doors engraved with the poem just like his first year he read it as they walked.
"Enter, Stranger, but take heed of what awaits the sin of greed. For those who take, but do not earn, must pay dearly in their turn. So, if you seek beneath our floors, a treasure that was never yours. Thief, you have been warned, beware of finding more than treasure there."
Knowing Goblins, there was a reason for the warning, and he knew it probably ended in a shark eating grin.