Chapter Text
It was a nice day in June after the war. Rebuilding was well on its way as Hogwarts stood proudly amongst the sun in the horizon. The ancient magic in the halls hummed with content as the castle finally felt safe again. School children were running around freely now that there was no more threat on their learning like the previous year. It was a nice and peaceful time. All the houses were becoming more friendly with each other. Clubs were set up thanks to the help of Headmistress McGonagall and her desire for Hogwarts to become whole again, not wanting house rivalries to dictate friendships. She set up many things for her students like including more classes so that muggleborn or muggle raised children can learn a bit more how the wizarding world works, same with those who were raised pureblood with learning about muggles, more specific career focus classes so that students may experiment and see what they like before settling on one job, and if any child needed someone to talk to there were mind healers in the infirmary ready for anyone who needed to talk to. Most underage wizards that were affected by the war more closely already had appointments set up with them if they were open about it and with parental consent. Something that should have been placed after the death of Cedric Diggory back in 1995 but Dumbledore did not see that it was needed. He originally cut many of those programs back when he first became headmaster as he thought it would be of no use. Which is why many purebloods were so against him as their traditions were not being valued.
But with Headmistress McGonagall bringing them back she received much praise. From Pureblood families like the Longbottom's, Abbot's, Zabini's, Parkinson's, and others who were on both sides of the war or neutral but still valued wizarding traditions and wanting to compromise with the growing amount of muggleborn's entering into their society. She also earned praise from many supporters for being as tough as she was. Placed as Headmistress during such a stressful time after Professor Snape played his part as a spy. Even though Professor Snape was offered the position back after his trial he chose to remain as the potions professor, giving the spotlight to McGonagall as she had been teaching at Hogwarts since Snape was a kid. Many were grateful and a little nervous about letting Snape teach but he was one watch by the Ministry for the next 4 years and was the youngest potions master so that quickly ran off. Especially after Harry Potter had proved that Snape was innocent and doing everything because he was a spy for Dumbledore.
After all, who would go against the savior of the wizarding world?
----------------Harry Potter's POV------------
Harry had just walked out of his last NEWT exam, Defense Against the Dark Arts, which was probably his easiest O in the whole amount of NEWT exams. He was ready to be done with exams and take a nice long break. He didn't really have a chance to take a break since the war ended. Right after he defeated the Dark Lord they went straight to rebuilding and collecting all the Death Eaters. After Shacklebolt was placed in the ministry and the Wizengamot was open for session they went straight into doing Death Eater trials. Some of them were easy and some were hard. Harry had to do a lot of shouting in some courts and not much talking in others. The ones he did shout and fought the hardest were for the Malfoy family and Snape.
Although Lucius was still an absolute git, the three Malfoy's were supposed to stand on trial together, just to quicken the pace of the trials so that they could be done with it and move on to other matters. Harry argued very hard that the Malfoy's did not deserve Azkaban. Lady Malfoy had lied to Voldemort, when her life was on the line, saying that Harry was indeed dead so that he could be able to take Voldemort by surprise. That Draco chose not to recognize him when the golden trio was snatched and taken to Malfoy manor, that Draco put his wand down when he was ordered to kill Dumbledore, that he did everything because his family was at stake. Same with Lucius and Narcissa. They did everything to protect themselves from danger, though Lucius was not as well. Harry's arguing and shouting at the older members of the Wizengamot allowed Draco to only have his wand monitored for 5 years, Narcissa for 8, and Lucius for 10 as well as house arrest for 1 year. The three were also supposed to perform charity, help rebuild, and were made to learn about muggles and how their ideals were wrong. After the trial Harry had approached Draco and gave his wand back.
--(Flash back)--
"Malfoy! Wait!" Harry called after Draco as he and his mother were leaving. They looked a bit better now that they were out of prison garments and in their usual fancy attire. But they still had the grim look of war in their face. Malfoy turned around and his mother also did. Malfoy raised a brow while his mother gave a polite smile.
"Thank you Mr. Potter again but we must go. Lucius just arrived at the manor and there is much to do and clean up." Mrs. Malfoy told Harry in a polite tone. Clearly annoyed a bit about the guests she was forced to entertain these past couple years and was ready to rid the manor of anything.
"Potter what is it that you want? Mother and I must be going as she stated." Malfoy turned his body towards Harry more so that he appeared more open.
"Malfoy here. I want you to have this." Harry gave Draco the wand, the Hawthorn, 10 inch, with a unicorn hair core wand. The same wand that Harry had won over when he had disarmed Draco in Malfoy Manor the previous year and that Draco had wanted in the room of requirements.
"You- Potter. You kept it?" Draco had asked him, his usual malice was gone. His greyish eyes stared at Harry in surprise as if not understanding why Harry was doing this.
"Yup you can take it back. It doesn't feel right to use anymore now that you are able to live freely again." Harry placed the wand in Draco's hand and walked off. Not even looking back to see Draco's reaction. He was too tired and wanted a nice bath after a long day of trials. Using the ministry Floo gate back to Grimmauld place and telling Kreacher to make him a bath.
--(end of flash back)--
The same screaming match happened with Snape for the next trial. As it was noted that Snape had killed Dumbledore, the leader of the light, he betrayed the light when he was a known spy, and that he stayed in the dark until he was almost killed by Nagini. It was a very close call and many wondered how he had survived, even Snape himself as he thought when Harry died he would die too, and he knew he was dead when Voldemort ordered Nagini to kill him so that the elder wand would work. But when Harry gave the court information on how Snape was ordered to kill Dumbledore by Dumbledore himself, how Dumbledore was already dying due to a cursed artifact he had kept on, how Snape aided Harry in his search to defeat Voldemort, and more. Snape ended up with a similar sentence to Lucius, his wand was to be monitored for 10 years and he was to serve as a professor for three more years as his form of community service. Barely escaping a long sentence in Azkaban or even death. After that he was free to continue teaching or not. After all, it was brought to the Wizengamot's attention that the only reason why Snape was a professor was because of the contract set up with Dumbledore. That in return for the Potter's safety he was to be a professor during Harry's school years and before he entered school.
When that court ended Snape had approached Harry and profusely apologized for his actions towards Harry throughout the years. Giving an explanation that he had certain expectations from both sides. Dumbledore expected Snape to only see James and the dark lord supporters expected the man to be cruel to Harry. The two ended up having tea with Remus who was recovering from a nasty curse from the war and taking care of his baby Teddy all alone. The three shared and grieved, the two adults coming to a truce once more, even a small friendship blossoming, and allowing Harry a good cry as they told stories of James and Lily. After that Snape and Harry had a better connection and understanding of one another, which helped during potions that year as he got better scores from being able to actually learn without someone yelling or sabotaging him. Snape was better towards most of the students, though still mean, but it was only so that no potion accidents occurred under his watch.
Many people did not come back in the last year the only group of people were Neville Longbottom, Pansy Parkinson, Blaise Zabini, Draco Malfoy as his court order stated, Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger, Harry Potter, Hannah Abbot, Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan, Theodore Nott, Susan Bones, Terry Boot, Lisa Turpin, Ernie Macmillan, and the Patil twins. The rest either died during the war, chose not to come back, or were in Azkaban. This wasn't the worse group of people as they all got along and came over their grievances at the beginning of the year as they didn't want to fight one another and were sharing one big common room with their own dorms connecting to it, and they were all adults now. Some turned into friends and even lovers. Obviously Hermione and Ron had finally turned into one during the war so it was great. He was with Ginny but they put it on hold as they both needed time to properly grieve. Losing friends and family during the war was bad.
Harry was on his way to the common room as he had no more exams left and he needed a rest when a ministry owl came down. It perched right on his shoulder and gave Harry a letter. "Odd.. I'm not expecting any letters anytime soon from the ministry.." Harry mumbled as he paid the owl and opened the letter. Too curious and concerned to wait any longer.
Dear Mr. Potter,
We send you a letter to inform you that Mr. Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore's full will was opened today per the Wizengamot's request. Furthermore in the will and double checked with the Department of magical contracts you are to be placed in an arranged marriage with certain listed Bachelors as per Mr. Dumbledore's will, you are to be wed and have consummated by the second year since the war as per what the magical contract states. Please contact the Department immediately with those who you would like to review the candidates for your hand. You may not be allowed to see the list and are reminded that this is a magical binding contract, meaning if you do not wed by next year you will lose your magic.
Furthermore please contact the Minister of Magic himself for a letter written by Mr. Dumbledore that was revealed in his will for you.
My condolences.
Percy Weasley, Undersecretary to Minister Shacklebolt.
Harry looked at the letter stunned. He felt his breathing start to pick up as he read it over and over again. "No no no no.. this can not be happening!" He stared at the letter for a good couple minutes before walking straight to Snape's office. At some point he started to run towards the dungeons in panic. He knew he had no classes that day and was one of the few adults, few mentors, that he trusted at the moment as he had begun to get used to the man. He knocked on the door and waited a couple moments before Snape opened it with his eyebrow raised. Once he took in Harry's distressed face his brows furrowed.
"Mr. Potter. What can I do for you?" Snape asked before Harry placed the letter in his hand and went inside Snape's office without a word. He began pacing around as he allowed Snape to read the letter. Not even bothering to look at his expression as he kept walking around Snape's office. Eventually he heard Snape clear his throat. "Potter.. Harry. I'm so sorry." Snape said his voice shaky as he rubbed his face with his hand. Leaning against his desk. "Even in the afterlife that old coot still makes you his pawn. It's outrageous honestly. I can't believe he did that. This must have been signed when he was still alive at one of those meetings."
"Snape, how the hell can Dumbledore do that? It's not like he's my guardian or something" Harry continued to pace. But when Snape never responded it gave him an answer. He stopped and stared at Snape, color draining from his face as he realized. "No.." Harry shook his head as he looked at Snape with pleading eyes to tell him that he was wrong. That Dumbledore wasn't his guardian in some way, that he could have taken Harry away even if the blood wards were in place, after all there were likely similar wards that could have been placed.
"I'm afraid so, Harry. Professor Dumbledore was.. was your magical guardian." Snape answered Harry as he stared at the boy. His gaze calculating and soft. Harry shook his head as he ran a hand through his hair and slumped into a chair. Burrowing his hands into his palms.
"I'm never going to be free... am I?" Harry whispered, his voice sounding smaller than he was. He was a little surprised at how he sounded in the moment but didn't care enough to correct or mention it.
"I'm sorry Harry.. But it will get better. there's no way the candidates can be too bad." Snape gave a little bit of hope trying to cheer up Harry. He settled down next to Harry and rubbed the boys back. Allowing Harry to hug him as he comforted him.
"...I want you and Remus to be the people reviewing the contract and who to pick" Harry mumbled, his head buried in Snape's robes like he was a little kid. "You'll know the best families and Remus will know the kids a little bit and add rationale too the picking"
"..I'd be honored to do that for you Harry." Snape finally answered after a couple minutes allowing Harry to stay where he was. "I swear to you we will make sure this marriage isn't too bad. But I can't promise it won't be uncomfortable and hard to do. But me and Lupin will be by your side and will help you through it. I promise" Harry nodded into Snape's robes and stayed there for a while. Letting the man he once hated and now respected, and even loved in a mentor way comfort him.
He ended up leaving closer to dinner as he accidentally fell asleep on Snape's couch. With Snape already getting ready to visit the Ministry with Lupin who had used the Floo network a while ago to prepare and read the letter from the ministry himself. The two men reassuring Harry that everything will be fine.
"Harry we will let you know if anything is wrong do not worry. Also please look after Teddy. He is your godson after all, and I can't look after him at the ministry." Remus told Harry softly as he placed the Baby into Harry's arms.
"Of course Remus, thank you for doing this for me. I'll take good care of Teddy don't you worry" Harry smiled at Remus as he cooed at Teddy. Waving Teddy's little hand as Remus and Snape left to go to the ministry.
"Alright Teddy I'm starving and I bet you are too" Harry boobed Teddy's little nose as the adorable little baby giggled. Babbling happily as Harry took Teddy to the dining hall. Luckily the 7th years had their own table to eat at and most of them have met Teddy already.
"Teddy!" Hermione looked up seeing Harry carry Teddy over to their table. Several other heads looked up and smiled at the baby. "Mate why do you have Teddy? Today's Tuesday you usually only have him on Friday's to Saturday morning" Ron said through filling his mouth with food.
"Ah Remus needed to go to the ministry for something and asked me to look after Teddy tonight" Harry settled down next to Neville and Nott. Teddy's hair turning honey colored to match Neville's as he recognized his face. The baby babbling out for Neville as Neville cooed at the adorable baby. Everyone else had turned away at his excuse and talked about exams. Which gave Harry the perfect chance to ask Neville a question. Neville was his one close friend who grew up in a pure blood society. Which was a perk given the situation, as Harry knew nothing about arranged marriages in pureblood culture, and the one he was set for sounded very pureblood since most the candidates were likely pureblood.
"Hey er Neville, Ima ask you a question and don't freak out okay?" Harry whispered to Neville discreetly.
"Oh um sure Harry what's up?" Neville gave Harry his full attention and his face went serious. Nott must have heard something but didn't react to it at all.
"So hypothetically lets say your magical guardian wrote up an arranged marriage contract with pre-select candidates for you but you couldn't choose and didn't know about the contract till years after they died when your magic in a year could be revoked. Is this like a pureblood thing or like?" Harry rambled all at once and looked at Neville's reaction. His eyes going wide and he pointed at Harry.
"Harry.. oh my merlin.. Dumbledore did that? Well um it was um" Neville tried to school his reaction but Nott decided to butt in because he practical heard it.
"Potter that is actually very pureblood or well for older times. Usually after a war or something some big person gets arranged to create some peace, however that usually happens when their is a truce or armistice. Can't believe Dumbledore would throw his golden boy. Let me guess it's too the Dark lord supporters. Your best bet is probably the three heir's here that aren't arranged or courting anyone." Theo answered as he took a sip of his wine. Harry's eyes widen as he looked between Nott, Zabini, and lastly Malfoy.
"Wait what do you mean Nott?" Harry asked, he didn't really care if Nott knew now all he cared about was if Nott had an idea who else could be on that list.
"First call me Theo it's only right in case I do get picked darling" Theo winked at Harry causing Harry to flush up in surprise. "Second most of the Dark Lords supporters didn't have kids yet or had kids but they are well in their 20s by now. Plus many of those death eaters who did not have kids are likely in Azkaban now. You wouldn't want to marry one of those would you?"
Harry shook his head quickly. That made the list really narrow as he knew Snape and Remus would probably pick someone from a year or two above or this year. Which gave little for his options. Sure he never had beef with Theo or Zabini or any of the girls, but Malfoy? Malfoy hated Potter and Potter hated Malfoy. Its how its been for years, set in stone when Harry didn't shake his hand when they were eleven. Set in stone when they dueled in second year, when Malfoy got hit by Buckbeak, during the whole Triwizard tournament, when Draco caught Harry and the DA giving them detentions with Umbridge, when Harry sent a sectumsempra curse not knowing what it did to Malfoy, and just the whole rest of it. If they got married Harry didn't know what would happen.