Title: Harry Potter: The Changing of Ways
0ory: Books » Harry Potter
Auth0or: Shadow_walker090909
Language: English, Rating: Rated: ?
Genre: General
Published: 04-30-11
Chapters: 04

Harry Potter: The Changing of Ways

Disclaimer: All recognizable characters are the property of their respective owners: JK Rowling, Warner Brothers, etc. Only the plot is mine. Other plot devices or theories are owned by their respective authors and are only being borrowed to further my own. May cause drowsiness. Do not operate heavy machine immediately after reading. Discontinue use if rash appears.

Author's note: Congratulations to erokitsune83 this reviewer was the first to answer the challenge in chapter 3.

-HP: TCoW-

July 7th,1995 Greengrass Manor

Daphne sat at her desk going over the things that she could do to prevent her father from marrying her off to Malfoy and his ilk. If her father was in fact planning a marriage contract, then her best option was to have another in place and signed before his could take effect.

Sadly, she could only think of one person that might be willing to help her. Sure, they had shared a polite, even flirty conversation on the train home this year. Could that make up for four years of distrust towards Slytherins?

Gathering what courage she had, Daphne pulled out a roll of parchment and began writing.

Dear Harry,

I know that we do not really know each other and that we only have had a short conversation just this year on the train home so, I think I will just get straight to the point of this letter. I think my father is planning on marrying me off to Draco Malfoy or one of the other darker pure-blood families. Recently my father had a visit from Malfoy senior, andwhile I do not truly know the reason behind the meeting, I can only conclude that it had to do with the recent return of the Dark Lord. During the last war, the Greengrass Family had been able to remain natural. It is this meeting between my father and Malfoy, which I think is why my father is planning what he is. Knowing my father the way I do, he will do what he thinks is best to provide and protect his family. The only way he knows of is to follow the old customs.

That is why I am writing to you, you are the only person who can help me. The only thing that I can do to counter-act any marriage contract my father makes is to have another such contract in place and signed, that is more to my liking. While it is true that there are many boys, both in our Hogwarts year and the years ahead of us that would jump at what I am offering. I feel that any such contract with them could and very likely ((only slightly better than any my father would make.

I am willing, if you accept my proposal, to have a marriage contract between yourself and me, written up and signed as quickly as possible. I realize that any such contract made in this manner will favor you more than it would me, but that is something I am willing to accept. To ease your worries of having to getting married this summer, it can be stated in the contract that a marriage between our houses would wait until after our completion of Hogwarts. However if you are willing and such a contract can quickly be in place and signed before my father has the chance to get such a contract in place, I would be more than willing to grant you a few special boons during the rest of our time at Hogwarts.

I dearly hope that you are willing to help me.

Sincerely,

Daphne Greengrass

Daphne rolled up the letter and placed it the top most drawer of the desk so that tomorrow morning she could have the family owl deliver it to Harry as quickly as possible. With her task, finished Daphne moved back to her bed and got herself ready for sleep.

-HP: TCoW-

July 8th, 1995 Diagon Alley, Gringotts Bank

Absalon arrived at the Diagon Alley apparition point he pulled his cloak about him tighter as he stepped away and started walking towards Gringotts. He reminded himself that he would have to stop at the apothecary before heading home. After strolling through the alley and observing its many happings, he made his way up the many marble steps, which led to Gringotts bank. It had been a while since he stepped across the threshold, but the bank had not changed much. The busy goblins still staffed the counters, waited on customers, and weighed jewels and valuables. They were all the same irritable beasties that they always had been. A reassured smile crept across his lips before he resolutely suppressed it. A cold, calm, impenetrable mask fell over his face underneath his hood.

"Can I help you sir?" The nearest goblin asked irritably.

"Yes," He said in a calm, emotionless voice, "I would like to speak with my Family account manager Ronebt."

"If you would wait for just a few moments, a goblin with be with you shortly to take you to him." the goblin teller informed him.

Absalon silently moved off to the side and waited. It was about two minutes later when a goblin approached him.

"Sir if you would follow me, I will lead you to Ronebt." Said the goblin and without waiting for an answer he turned around and walked back in the direction he had come from.

Absalon had never liked meeting with his families account manager, Calandra always met with him. He was more than happy for her to do so, it meant he never had to walk through all these blasted hallways and twisted turns. Subsequently after what felt like an hour of walking, the goblin escorted him to his account manager stopped in beside a solid red oak door. The goblin escort knocked on the door three times before entering, not even a few seconds later; he motioned Absalon to enter the office.

Entering the office Absalon crossed the short distance to the front of the desk made of the same red oak and said. "Good Morning Ronebt."

After waving off the goblin who had escorted his client, Ronebt turned his haggard looking face to greet Baron Greengrass. "Good Morning Baron Greengrass. What business brings you to Gringotts today?"

"Several things really, first I'd like to cover my families' holdings to better judge our position. Then I would like to draft and submit a marriage proposal for my eldest daughter Daphne."

"Very well Baron Greengrass." Ronebt said before opening a drawer in his desk and retrieving the Greengrass estate dossier.

The next three hours was spent along this vein, covering everything from value of the estate to the amount to be paid in taxes and fees. It was at this point that Absalon had a good idea of what he was willing to give up in the marriage contract. Afterward Absalon, taking into account what he knew of the Potter boy, began laying out what he wished to gain from the contract and what he was willing to give up in return. It was after he had covered everything, which he wanted written into the contract that Ronebt asked who the proposal needed to be sent too.

"The House of Greengrass is sending this proposal to the House of Potter with the hopes that by bringing the two families together will bring a brighter future to our world." Absalon intoned. He failed to notice the strange look that came across Ronebt's face.

"Excuse me Baron Greengrass, but did you say the House of Potter?" The goblin asked.

"Yes, that's correct Ronebt." Absalon said this time looking Ronebt in the eye, catching the slight widening of his eyes.

"I will of course pass this proposal to the Account manager House of Potter, by way of Gringotts legal department Baron Greengrass." Ronebt said after clearing his throat.

"Of course Ronebt." Absalon said.

"Will there be anything else today Baron Greengrass?" Ronebt inquired.

"No I think that covers everything Ronebt. I won't take up anymore of your valuable time." Absalon said rising out of the chair he had been sitting in, missing the goblin pushing something on the side of his desk.

"Well than have a pleasant day Baron Greengrass." Ronebt said standing as well.

As the last word left the goblins curled lips, a knock at the door sounded and in walked another goblin.

"Please show Baron Greengrass to the lobby." Ronebt barked at the other goblin.

-HP: TCoW-

July 8th, 1995 Greengrass Manor

Daphne had the most arduous day of her life that she could remember since having started Hogwarts. She had been on edge ever since her father had gotten up from the breakfast table and announced that he was heading off to Gringotts to take care of some business. She knew that he was heading there to start the negotiations for a possible marriage contract, what she didn't know was which family he was going to try and arrange the contract with.

Daphne had spent most of the day, either in her bedroom trying to concentrate on her summer school work or out in the garden trying not to think about how her life might be changing soon. However, she decided that it would be best for her to try speaking with her mother about what was going on. Walking into the parlor where she knew her mother to be during this time of day.

"Mother." Daphne softly called out, after she had crossed half the room to where her mom was sitting going through the various parchments that required her attention. Once she had her mother's notice she continued, "I was hoping that I could talk to you about a few things that have been concerning me since last night."

Calandra put down the roll of parchment that she had been reading and indicated for Daphne to have a seat in the chair to her left. "What is on your mind my dear?"

"I'm worried about what is happening. I mean, I know that daddy went to Gringotts today, for what I'm not sure, although I'd like to think I know the reason he went there." Daphne said.

"I see," said her mother after gazing at her eldest daughter for a fleeting split second.

"Well to let you know the truth, your father went to Gringotts today so he could arrange a marriage contract on your behalf."

Daphne closed her eyes after having heard what she had just been told. Acutely shoving her feelings aside for the moment, she continued to sit there and forced herself to hear the rest of what she needed to know. As she opened her eyes, she pinned her mother with a thinly concealed look of indifference.

"And just who is he going to approach, with this contract?" Daphne asked her, trying to keep the tone of her voice even and controlled.

Deciding that it was best for her husband to inform their daughter as to just who was being considered for the contract. "I don't know who he is going to approach for this marriage, but I do know that you will act in accordance with your father's wishes and conduct yourself in a manner befitting a lady. Is that understood, my dear?" Calandra commanded, with a tone of one who would be obeyed no matter Daphne's thoughts to the contrary.

"Yes mother, I will of course follow father's wishes in this matter." Daphne replied in response to her mother's tone. "Will there be anything else, mother?" she questioned.

Taking pity on her daughter, Calandra assured her daughter in a softer and caring voice. "Sweetie listen to me, I know that you feel it should be your choice for who you marry and I will always try and do my best to see to it that you are happy and fortunate in whatever direction you decided on. What you need to try and understand is that your father has been put into a situation where he must choose between the happiness of one daughter or the very lives of his whole family."

Daphne immensely wished that she had not had this conversation with her mother now. It had been much easier to hate her father if he was offering a marriage contract for some financial or political motivation. To find out that he was only doing this to protect those he loved made it much more difficult to hold his actions against him.

"Now was there anything else that you wanted to talk about my dear, your schooling, or perhaps some boy that has caught your interest?" Calandra asked her tone back to its ever present cheer and exuberance. She knew exactly why her daughter was seething. Calandra herself detested marriage contracts. She just hoped that her husband knew what he was doing by keeping their daughter in the dark about whom the contract was being proposed to.

"No mother that will be all." Daphne said

"Well than why don't you go and see about your summer studies then? Maybe write a letter to your friend Tracey." her mother gently told her.

"Of course mother." Daphne said, trying to sound as polite as she could muster.

-HP: TCoW-

July 8th, 1995 Number twelve, Grimmauld Place

Albus Dumbledore was currently sitting in the dining room of number twelve, Grimmauld Place. He had gathered some of the members of the 'old crowd'. He had called them here after Sirius had offered the use of his childhood home. This meeting was to discuss the protections that would need to be placed around Harry Potter. However, the one thing he could not and would not tell them was that there was another and much darker reason he wanted the boy watched.

He had wished to have this meeting before the boy had left the school for the summer, but things had transpired that had required his attention and demanded that he appear in person for him to arrange such a meeting. It had not been until yesterday that he had gotten back to his office, that he had been able to contact the people he knew would be able to go along with his idea's regarding Harry.

Albus was brought out of his musings with the high-pitched sound of Molly Weasley's voice.

"You are correct of course Molly, Harry is still too young to be considered for joining the Order. No, what I feel is the best option for us at this moment, is for us to have an Order member watch over young Harry." Dumbledore said to them as if things had already been decided.

"Headmaster, if what you are saying is true, that Harry is going to be pivotal in the upcoming war then it would make sense and be an advantage in bringing Harry into the Order. Not doing so now when the Dark Lord has yet to gain any measure of control is ludicrous "voiced Bill Weasley trying to both question and advise the venerable old headmaster.

"Bill, you should know better than to question the headmaster." Malloy admonished her eldest son.

Again, the discussion dissolved into another tumultuous debate. Dumbledore let the meeting continue in this vain for a few minutes before clearing his throat and bringing the attention back to him. Albus Dumbledore stood up to address the group huddled around a large round oaken table.

"Now if we could discuss the matter of the Minister and what the Ministry of Magic is doing to combat the return of Voldemort." Albus said.

Arthur, can you please let us know the situation in the Ministry?" asked Dumbledore.

The discussions lasted for another hour when after Dumbledore called the meeting to a close. However, before everyone had left the room, Albus motioned for Molly to stay behind. After every one had left, the headmaster took out his wand and with a few deftly swishes and flicks of his wrist; Albus produced a few privacy wards.

"Molly I would like you to keep an eye out for any letter that young Harry might send to Ronald or young Ginevra. I am worried that he might try to push them away." Albus told her his eyes twinkling.

"Of course headmaster, I'll make sure that." Molly assured him.

-HP: TCoW-

July 8th, 1995 Number twelve, Grimmauld Place

Sirius Black grabbed a hold of Bill's arm and indicated for him to follow. Sirius led Bill up the stairs and into the Black Family library. After making sure that they were not going to be overheard.

"How do you feel about how Dumbledore was handling things with Harry?" He asked Bill.

Bill stood there for a minute thinking about what he knew of Harry. "I don't think that the headmaster is making use of everything he could. I also think that there is more going on around Harry than even the headmaster knows about," replied Bill.

"What do you mean?" Sirius asked. He could understand the first part of what Bill had said, but was a little bit confused as to what could be going on with his godson that the headmaster did not know about.

"You know that Gringotts has several different departments right." at Sirius' nod he continued, "Well lately their legal department has been gathering a lot of information about rather old ministry laws and contracts. They've also been researching a lot of information about certain families, such as their history, finical holdings, and their political standing." Bill said

"Why would Gringotts being doing all that and why do you think Harry is involved?" Sirius asked still confused.

At hearing the question, it was Bill's turn to look confused. "I mean I don't know all of the details, of course, but shortly after Harry went to the goblins they called a gathering of all the heads and remained in that assembly for two hours. I thought you knew Harry visited Gringotts the same day that he got home from Hogwarts." Bill said.

Upon hearing this statement, Sirius sat down in one of the plush reading chair, the light from the wall sconces casting a flickering shadow across his face. He had not known that Harry had gone to Gringotts. 'Besides he wouldn't be able to access the Potter family vaults anyways, Harry is only 15.'

"Let me ask you this Bill, if you thought Dumbledore no longer had Harry's best interest in mind would you seek other options in helping Harry?" Sirius asked without even bothering to look towards Bill.

"I would like to think so. I mean the headmaster has been leading the light for a long time, but for even a leader such as him to ignore what I think of as such an obvious advantage is just too much." Bill replied after a few seconds thought.

"Bill you wouldn't be willing to try and find out why the goblins are taking such an interest in certain families and such. Would you?" Sirius requested.

"I'll do what I can, but Gringotts has a lot of security measures that insure their client's privacy and if they don't want something to be known then you stand a better chance against a Hungarian Horntail." Bill replied.

"What do you plan to do if 'as you suggested' the headmaster no longer has Harry's best interests at heart?" Bill asked.

Sirius could only truthfully say that he did not have the slightest idea at the moment. It was hard to believe that the headmaster would not have the best intentions for any student of Hogwarts. The venerable old wizard had guided the wizarding world for about the past 50 plus years. The man who had finally brought an end to Grindelwald's reign of terror.

-HP: TCoW-

July 8th, 1995 late evening Greengrass Manor

Calandra was again sitting in the parlor when her husband walked in and sat down across from her. She quickly returned to reading her book, after glancing at him waiting for him to say whatever was on his mind.

"After talking with our account manager about our family's holdings, I inquired about obtaining a marriage contract with the house of Potter. After covering everything I could think of pertaining to what we could get in favor of offering such an arrangement with the House of Potter." Absalon said, then going quiet.

"And?" Calandra prompted him after Absalon had just sat there for a slight period time.

"Ronebt said that he would pass along the potential arrangement to the Gringotts legal department for review, then to the Potter family account manager." He told her.

"Why would Ronebt need to send such a simple contract to the Gringotts legal department?" Questioned Calandra.

"I don't know, I had assumed that is was the standard process for Gringotts to handle such things. However, I thought it a bit unusual that Ronebt acted a bit strange when I mentioned the name Potter but just assumed that was because of a supposed neutral family off such a contract to a light-side family.

- HP: TCoW-

Author's note: I would like to thank M.E.R.C. Inc, Aggrocrag for giving their time to beta this chapter and helping me fix the mistakes I had made during the writing of this chapter.