It was a moonless night, the streets leading up the stood dark casting unnatural shadows from trees as a lone figure stood on the fences of a three story home, his dark brown robes blending well with the darkness of his surroundings. His fingers twitched as he tapped a continuous beat against his thighs, eyes focused on the topmost window as the breeze fluttered the sheer curtains. He stood happily humming a soft tune, a bad imitation of the one that he remembered his mother singing to him.

The light summer breeze fluttered his dark hair against his forehead in a way that reminded him of his mothers light caresses. It was a special day today; his insides somersaulted as his gaze shifted upon the colour picture in his other hand, it wasn't an ordinary picture, it moved as if the inhabitants of the photograph were alive.

It had been splashed all across the front page of The Daily Prophet, a wizarding newspaper native to the United Kingdom. But nonetheless, the news of the arrival of the newest member of the family of heroes had made its way all over the continent. He marvelled at the little smile lighting up the tiny face, eyes focused straight at the photographer as if she knew that he would be watching.

Oh how couldn't he, this was his destiny; his life would finally have meaning again. The little bundle pressed lovingly between the couple as they gazed at her with adoration already had him and the rest of the world spinning at her fingertips and she was but a few days old, her big brown eyes staring right into his blue ones calling to his soul, summoning his very essence. He would give his life for her he knew that and one day she will too.

"Daddy!" The scream rung through the night, calling out as series of flashes lit up the air around them. A woman, no a young woman with long red hair that flew in waves behind her as she ran... her eyes belied the fear that her determined features would not. The pale skin on her face held an ethereal glow as she looked at the dark haired man standing at the far end, his wand raised at the ready his feet carrying him of their own accord to the young girl, jumping over the slain bodies of men and women alike he rushed.

His only goal lay up ahead, he had to get to her - the young girl... he couldn't...wouldn't let anything happen to her and he would die before he let anyone hurt her. He was only a feet away, his body relaxing as he reached her, his fingers brushing against hers as he attempted to catch a hold of her, she was his heart, a part of him, he couldn't lose her. Her eyes widened and there was a green glow that enveloped her young body erasing any trace of life that had once lit up the dark brown pools of her eyes and she fell, limp, all life sucked out of her.

"Lily!" the dark haired man gasped awake; the sweet name falling from his lips in a choked whisper, eyes darting around looking for shapes in the dark room as he grabbed his wand and glasses from the bedside table, a warm hand clamping around his arm jerked him back to the physical world. Looking to the side he saw his wife looking at him worried, eyes still sleepy from slumber.

"Harry, what is it? Are you alright?" Ginny Potter questioned, her brow creased in worry as she looked at her sweat soaked husband, his eyes looking as haunted as the day he finally ended the nightmare that had plagued him all his life.

The man, Harry, shuddered as the soft summer breeze swirled through the sheer curtains in the room that he shared with his wife, the images from his dream still fresh in his mind. Ten years since the day he had finally found peace his nightmares had taken a new face. Taking a deep breath he looked to the side at the woman who had stood by his side throughout everything, the one who had dared to put the pieces of his soul and his heart back together after the long struggle that he had believed would end with his life.

Even today he sometimes found himself trapped in his mind, reliving the past but now he knew it wasn't the end. Calming down he gripped the small hands still holding him together, preventing him from falling apart, their softness grounding him as he drew strength from the grip they had on him. The dream had felt real as if in a moment all of what he held dear would be taken from him and he would be left powerless to do anything to prevent it.

"I'm ok. Just a bad dream..." He saw her brown eyes soften, the same ones that the young woman in his dreams had. These dreams were nothing new; they had come and gone as his family grew from two to three to four and now that the newest fifth member had arrived. The little girl that he had been blessed with was already central to his world, his life wound just as tightly with hers as it was with her mother and her two brothers, but maybe more.

He couldn't help it. In such a short time he already knew that he would be wrapped around the little girl's finger, his life held in her tiny palms. He sighed, shifting so he could lay his head against his wife's chest, the beat of her heart calming his nerves, her fingers lovingly pulling his hair back from his forehead where a lightning bolt scar laid stark red against his pale skin. His arms tightened around her waist pulling her closer letting out a shaky breath, his eyes falling closed the warmth of his surroundings lulling him back to sleep.

A soft cry broke through before the two settled in, sighs escaping them as they dragged their tired bodies out of bed. Bare-chested, Harry stepped away from his wife's arms, pulling on slippers and making his way to the small door in the corner of their bedroom. "Why don't you go back to sleep Gin, I'll look in," Harry whispered to the small redhead on his way out, he knew she hadn't had proper rest since the birth of their little angel.

"No she might need feeding," Ginny replied, following her husband into the small nursery. The yellow walls of the room shone as they reflected the lights of the stars enchanted onto them. The two stepped to the crib set up in one corner with a mobil jingling a soft lullaby above it.

Harry reached in, carefully wrapping his arms around the wriggling bundle inside, the soft cries turning to whimpers as she felt her father near her. Bringing the precious bundle closer to his chest Harry snuggled her closer, cooing at the little girl softly to calm her down. Rocking his life in his arms he sat in a rocking chair beside the window his wife joining him in the magically enlarged space.

"Daddy, Mommy..." a young boy of three stood looking curiously, his head tilted to the side, at the slumbering form of his parents his new baby sister cuddled in his father's arms. His precious lion, Herbert – Herby for short – hung limply from his left hand as he attempted shake his mommy awake.

Groaning at the soft voice calling her, Ginny Potter opened her eyes, sleepily looking down at the small boy softly pushing at her thighs. "James..." The red head groaned, crouching down to pick him up, noting the soft light filtering in through the curtains in the nursery; the sun hadn't come up yet. "What are you doing up this early?" she asked, brushing away dark hair from the small boys forehead.

"Albie isn't happy mommy," James replied softly, winding his small arms around his mother's neck.

Sighing, Ginny got up her three year old clutched in her arms, her ears picking up the cries of her toddler in the next room. Grabbing a robe from her room Ginny Potter stepped swiftly out into the hallway her feet lightly padding against the soft carpet of her home.

Reaching the door Ginny stopped in her tracks, her heart softening at the picture before her. A young boy of ten with turquoise blue hair sat crossed leg on the floor a small toddler cuddled against him. "Go to sleep little Al, mommy and daddy are tired... I'm here; no one will hurt you I promise," he was cooing to the baby in his arms.

The toddler quietened immediately settling in against the boy. Young Teddy sat smiling rocking back and forth as he had seen his Godfather and Aunt Ginny do for the kids. Walking in, she sidled up next to the young boy banding an arm around him. Later as she put all three boys back to their beds and dragged a half asleep Harry to their bed after putting her daughter back in her crib to rest properly, sleeping while sitting did not bode well for one's back after all Ginny couldn't help but marvel at the life that she now led, once only a dream was now a reality.

The new parents stood tiredly clearing up the table, their dinner having been a noisy affair with two children under the age of four and a baby all vying for their attention. Harry watched proudly as his godson entertained his little brothers while the couple dealt with the remains of their dinner.

The knock at the door came as a surprise to both, not really expecting anyone the two frowned in dread, expecting a reporter or another photographer eager for a picture of the couple with their children waiting on the other side.

Harry pushed Ginny behind him as he reached the door ready to send away whoever had somehow managed to get through their security wards, he would have to update them again, Harry thought miserably. Stepping neatly to the side Ginny eyed her husband irritated at the gesture reaching ahead and pulling the door open.

"Hey Haryy, Ginny," a familiar voice greeted, a woman with dark bushy hair and wide smile that showed off her big white teeth stood at the door.

"Hermione" Harry said in surprise moving to hug his friend as she stepped into his home.

"You could have just used the floo you know 'Mione," Ginny said hugging her friend tightly a relaxed smile on her face as she focused her attention on the brunette.

"Sorry Ginny, it's just this seemed more appropriate given the nature of my visit," Hermione shrugged apologetically. The couple looked at the girl with identical quizzical expressions, the sound of the pop of apparition from behind their friend adding to their curiosity.

"Harry, Ginny how are you both?!" Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt called; his arms spread wide and his mouth spread in a wide smile, eyes twinkling at the young couple in greeting he stood on their porch in his flowing purple robes.

"Minister," Harry said, surprised.

"I do apologise for barging in so suddenly Harry, if this is not a good time I will happily take my leave."

"Oh no, it's quite alright Minister. It's just we weren't expecting you that's all," Harry replied recovering from his surprise.

"Oh please do come in Kingsley," Ginny invited the older man.

"Of course my dear girl, but if you don't mind I have two other guests with me..."

"Of course Minister," Harry nodded gesturing him inside.

Smiling at the man in front of him Kingsley stepped aside to let his guests enter ahead of him. A woman, not too smaller than the minister himself entered, her light hair pristinely set against her pale face. Her stately appearance aside Harry would have recognised the woman anywhere, she was one of the reasons he was alive today to have the family he could never have dreamt of. Following the woman a man taller than both her and Harry, with pale blonde hair slicked back, body lean and tall almost matching the Minister for Magic in height entered, his anxious grey eyes flitting quickly towards each occupant of the hallway.

Surprised at the appearance of the Malfoys the hosts stood rooted to their spot confusion marring their faces. "Please do come in," it was Ginny who recovered first, schooling her emotions she directed her guests to the living room, her teeth gritted in effort.

Harry silently followed the congregation, quickly picking up scattered toys as he went, "Please excuse the mess we haven't had time to tidy up."

"Oh nonsense Harry, of course it is to be expected what with the newest arrival to your family," Kingsley replied good naturedly, patting Harry on the back in congratulations, while the other two unexpected guests stood awkwardly near the sofa, Hermione her hands wringing nervously at the front stood quietly to the side. "We understand we barged in unexpectedly."

"Would you like some tea?" Ginny offered once everyone had settled in.

"Oh no it's quite alright my dear," this time it was Narcissa who replied, sitting beside a squirming Draco. Draco Malfoy looked uncomfortable to be in the home of his school nemesis, his eyes bouncing from one end of the room to another, observing the framed photographs of family scattered throughout the living room never quite settling in one place.

"Oh no please I insist, I do anyway have to take your leave for some time to settle in the children..."

"Is it alright if I come with you then?" Narcissa Malfoy asked.

"Oh no it's alright it won't take long," replied a surprised Ginny, rushing away in haste to put the kids to bed, Harry following to help excusing himself with apologies.

Returning a few minutes later having left Teddy to help keep an eye on the children, Ginny walked in holding a tray with tea and biscuits while Harry closed the door behind her softly. The two finally sat back down, handing the last of the cups to the Minister. Harry looked expectantly at his best friend from the top of his cup waiting for her to explain the sudden need for a congregation of the oddest of sorts.

"I'm sure you're both wondering why we're here," Kingsley asked, looking sombre all of a sudden as he gazed at the new parents.

Harry and Ginny nodded in ascent their gazes flitting between the calm man and a nervous Hermione both sat around the sitting room as if flanking the two anxious Malfoys.

"Well you see there is a matter that has come to our attention..." At this the Minister paused, clearing his throat awkwardly. He looked at his guests from the corner of his eyes sitting on the sofa beside him, both sitting stiffly in apparent discomfort.

"Yes Minister," Harry indicated for the Minister to continue glancing between him and the Malfoys, unable to yet decipher their reason for being here.

"Well I'm sure you are aware Harry," Hermione cut in, her voice shaking with the effort to keep normal choosing to be the one to deliver the news to her best friends, "that there are records that the Ministry maintains of wills, agreements and such," at Harry and Ginny's affirmative nod she continued clearing her throat awkwardly, "and you know that I am the one who handles any legal documents that may pertain to you or your family exclusively..." both Harry and Ginny nodded.

"Well you see I have come across, quite unexpectedly might I add, an agreement that I believe you might want to see."

At Hermione's nod the Minister produced a sheaf of parchments from his pocket. The file itself looked quite old and yellowed as he handed it over to the couple opposite him.

"What do these document contain Hermione?" Harry asked his old friend, not making a move to open the documents but passing it over to his wife if she might want to look over it herself. Ginny settled them neatly in her lap but directed her attention to Hermione as well.

Sighing, she nodded. She had feared she would be the one to ultimately give the new parents this news, "You see Harry, what you and Ginny hold in your hands is an Agreement of Will and Understanding," at this Ginny frowned thoughtfully, her gaze flickering uncertainly to the file held in her hands, her fingers tightened ever so slightly on the pages.

"An Agreement of Will and Understanding is quite an old concept in the magical world and many old families have been known to use these to strengthen ties between themselves and other families, even today in fact these are very much in use. Families use these because these are magically binding contracts that cannot be broken no matter what as the breacher can face dire consequences if he or she goes against the signed word. It ensures that both sides of the party have fulfilled their end of the bargain."

"What does this have to do with me or Ginny?" Harry asked. Ginny slipped her hands in his as she waited for her sister in-law to reply, her unease growing with each second.

"I came across this contract when I was reviewing your will and other documents given..." she gestured around vaguely.

"Given Lily's birth?" Harry asked.

"Yes," she replied putting undue emphasis on the 'S', "Yes...given Lily's birth. I thought I would get ahead and renew your will and well when I was going through records I came across this contract. I took it to Kingsley once I had read the contents as I felt he would be the best person to provide guidance in this matter."

Harry frowned. He didn't see why his friend was going about this the roundabout way and he didn't understand her nervousness. His eyes travelled to his side settling on the red head beside him, the sudden stillness from her concerned him. Ginny had gone deathly pale her eyes flitting between their friend, the minister and the Malfoys who had remained quiet until now.

"This agreement that you see before you was signed by an ancestor of yours, Edmund Potter..."

"Ok..."

"With Augustus Malfoy," Kingsley continued now looking uncertainly at Harry, waiting for his reaction. "I have to ask Harry, have you received any copy of this at all."

"Uh no Minister, this is the first I'm hearing about this, why?" answered Harry, a confused frown settled across his forehead.

"It's because," Narcissa Malfoy spoke up, "traditionally the signees of the agreement possess the original document while the Ministry receives a copy for its records." She looked at the young man before her to see if he was following her before she continued, "Lucius and I had known about the agreement of course but had never put much thought into it given it's wording..."

Her eyes flitted briefly to her son. She had rushed to him at once, appariting outside the estate her son resided in with his family, the newspaper she had been reading a moment ago sitting haphazardly discarded along with her tea.

"When we saw the article in the paper yesterday about your family I knew it was time to alert my son about its existence."

"And this agreement, what does it say?"

"Harry..." Ginny spoke softly, her voice quivering as she looked at him with tears in her eyes, "this agreement..." she said focusing all her attention at her husband who looked back at her a frown marring his features, "this agreement is equal to an agreement of betrothal or a marriage contract between two families."

"I don't..."

"Edmund Potter, your ancestor Harry signed an agreement to betroth the next Potter to be born a girl to a boy born into the Malfoy family," Hermione stated.