A.N I know you are probably going to be annoyed at me for not updating one of my series fics, put this plot bunny popped into my head and had to be written. Still no new laptop, but I hope that you enjoy this new story.

Harry, come on we need to go," Harry frowned confused before opening his eyes and peering up at the red head above him.

"Mrs Weasley?" He mumbled trying to force himself into a sitting position as he looked around the room he was in, no it was still Private Drive as he had thought. "Though Dumbledore said I had to stay here?" The headmaster had been insistent that Harry stayed at the Dursleys for the whole summer, and a week in Harry was worried he wouldn't make it to the end to be honest.

"He did, and he is sticking by that," Mrs Weasley huffed even as she helped him sit fully up and started guiding his legs from out underneath the covers.

"But…so you're not here to take me away?" Harry asked completely confused now and feeling his stomach and the small hope he had built up sinking.

"Yes I am, but not under Dumbledore's agreement, or even awareness," Mrs Weasley snorted. They were interrupted by Mr Weasley walking through the door.

"That's those animals dealt with," He said angrily before smiling at Harry. "Hello Harry, its good to see you,"

"Hello Mr Weasley," Harry nodded confusion still running through his mind. This had to be a dream.

"Harry I know this is all confusing but I need you to stick with me and listen alright?" Mrs Weasley said gently but firmly, cupping Harry's face and peering into his eyes. "I know that it appeared that me and Sirius don't get on, but the arguments and everything were a plan, to ensure that people would not be looking to me first if this situation had to come around. Sirius came to me the first night at Headquarters and expressed concern about your life here with those…animals. He knew that you had stayed with us and if anyone would share his worry, or could ease it it would be us. we however have been worried about your treatment here and have been trying to discretely figure out what's going on. Now you must understand Harry, Arthur and I while we agree with a lot of what the Light side say and what they stand for, we are more Grey than anything else, and we do not follow Dumbledore blindly. For a long time we have been playing his loyal followers so that we could keep an eye on what he was doing. We did not expect you to come along however. We care greatly for you, and both of us agreed that there was something going on in this house that Dumbledore knew about,"

"He did I…I spoke to him and he just told me it was for the best to stay here," Harry muttered. Both the Weasleys faces pinched, anger flashing through their eyes, but Mrs Weasley's hands remained gentle on his face, and Mr Weasley sat beside him to take his hand.

"We thought so, and so does Sirius. We planned, a lot over this last year. Myself and Sirius would pretend not to get along to keep suspicion from us. But Sirius manipulated the wards, and by night we would plan ways to get you out of here, and from underneath Dumbledore's thumb should various scenarios come into play," Mrs Weasley explained.

"So, you planned for me if Dumbledore decided to lock me up here? Sirius planned this?" Harry choked of steeling his face to fight down the tears that wanted to come. Mrs Weasley bent to brush a kiss to his forehead.

"Sirius wants to be here, but he is making his presence know at Headquarters to ensure he is not suspected. Myself and Molly are low down on the list as we would not even think about going against Dumbledore. This way it is going to cause maximum confusion when Dumbledore finally realises that you are missing and take him longer to track you down!" Arthur smirked slightly.

"Now Harry we need you to hear us out on this, because it is a lot to take in and we have very little time. This is going to be a big shock to you, and it's a lot to ask, but we need you to trust us," Mrs Weasley said quickly, at Harry's nod she started talking. "I am sure that you have heard by now of my brothers? Fabian and Gideon, that they left the country after the first war, disillusioned and angry with the Ministry? They were angry at the fact that everything just went back to the same way it was, the same prejudice and hate in place. They did not know then that You Know Who would come back, but they were sure that someone would step into that place, all the hate and anger and mistreatment in this world, it just needs a spark and its ready to burn. Sorry a little off track. Anyway they left, to go and live in France. Now, Sirius was your magical Guardian and even when he was in Azkaban he held that title, but Dumbledore is levying to have the title transferred to him, and after everything that happened this last year and it being revealed he was right all along he could ask for anything and it would be given to him. Right now its only a matter of time. And given your age there are only a handle full of things that we can do to stop him gaining full control over you,"

"What?" Harry asked, shock and fear settling into his brain.

"Most of them are not desirable in anyway, another few would be easily over ruled by Dumbledore. The best way is marriage," Mr Weasley said and squeezed Harry's hand when he gawped at them.

"We know you are young and that this is a lot to ask of you, and it is another part of your life that has been forced into place by other people. But we would not be suggesting this if we did not think it was the only way. Now I mentioned my brother's because Fabian is the one that myself, Sirius and Arthur agreed would be the best choice. He has been thinking about settling down with someone for a while, he's gay, he is older and so will be able to protect and guard you better, he will be good to you and I believe that there is a very good chance of love between you," Mrs Weasley said hurriedly.

"But…its basically an arranged marriage," Harry muttered still feeling shocked.

"Bloody Dumbledore. You should have had wizarding lessons with everyone else but that old wanker thought you would get ideas in your head. Harry arranged marriages are still very common place in the wizarding world. Whenever a wizard or witch has sex with someone else your magic binds itself together temporarily. That's why casual sex is not common place in the wizarding world, its basically like giving a part of your soul to someone else. Because of this and the fact that lust can lead to short lived and poor decisions arranged marriages are made based on personalities, magic types and need. Molly and I were an arranged marriage. Mr and Mrs Diggory, Mr and Mr Patil, Mrs and Mrs Zabini etc," Mr Weasley explained with the heir of a man who had given this talk plenty of times.

"Fabian is a good man, with strong magic, he wants a family which I know you want to, he is gentle and caring, but strong when he needs to be," Mrs Weasley nodded.

"What happens next then?" Harry asked a little shakily.

"If…and this is only if Harry…if you agree then we will take you to Gringotts where they have agreed to port key you to their French branch, Fabian will be waiting there for you. The marriage will take place in two days time, to ensure that the bond has time to sink in and strengthen before September and so that in the small chance Dumbledore tracks you down it will already be too late. Now Harry you don't have to agree to this if it is really not what you want, as we said there are other options, this is just honestly the best," Mrs Weasley said firmly.

"I…" Harry looked between the two of them as his brain raced at a thousand miles per second. To be married to someone that he didn't know? who was older than him? what I they never fell in love? But then Mrs Weasley and Mr Weasley felt fairly sure that they would be a good match and Sirius had agreed, he had always spoken fondly of the Prewitt brothers when he had mentioned them. And the chance of having his own family, of having a husband who could love him, potentially children one day, to be out from under Dumbledore's thumb? "He is…he wants to marry?" He would not agree if the man felt he had to do this.

"Gideon has a wife and two children now, Fabian was a little more free spirited, but lately he has been seriously looking to settle down, putting out feelers for marriage contracts and such. He wants a husband and he is interested in meeting you," Mr Weasley nodded.

"Ok then," Harry took and breath and steadied himself.

"Wonderful," Mrs Weasley beamed. "Now Fabian sent these for you, we have a little time for you to shower and change, and then we have to be on our way, would you like us to pack for you?" Mrs Weasley pushed a wrapped present into Harry's arms.

"Please, all my important things are underneath a floorboard under my bed," He told them still feeling slightly bemused by all this as he stood and made his way to the bathroom. Once behind the locked door he turned the shower on and then while it warmed up he sank to the floor holding his head in his hands. He had just agreed to marry someone he didn't know, he was engaged now? Mrs and Mr Weasley didn't seem anywhere near in the realms of being on Dumbledore's side despite being seen as the most light family around.

He blinked confused when he heard a crinkling noise as he tightened his hands trying to get his head around all this. That's when he remembered the present Mrs Weasley had shoved into his hands, Fabian had sent these for him? Pulling the string on the parcel he tugged open the wrapping paper to find what was inside. First thing he touched was the letter lying pointedly on the top. He hesitated for a second knowing who this had to be from before he reached out and opened the letter quickly, nerves twisting his stomach.

Dear Harry,

If you are reading this then you have agreed to go along with this, admittedly, slightly mad plan, but then Sirius had a hand in planning so I don't know what we could have expected. I am sorry that you have to make such decision to stay safe Harry, I can only imagine how you are feeling right now. And to have this thrown on you. Molly doesn't know that this is in here, but I had to say some words to you before we meet.

I know that this is a lot to take in, and at nearly sixteen facing being married to an older man whom you don't know must be overwhelming. I can offer platitudes and try and list all my wonderful points but that would not be of any use to you right now - though I will say I don't snore, and I believe that that is definitely a plus in a relationship! Instead what I will offer you is a promise. I promise that I will guard you far from harm as best as my magic will allow, that I will care for you and treat you always as my equal, that I will prove to you that I am a man worthy of your hand in marriage and that we can live a happy life together, and that the trust you are placing me is not mistaken.

Molly has mentioned that she believes you wish for a family, I myself have found myself longing for a family in recent years, to the point when Gideon threw me out his house, told me to stop trying to steal his family and start looking for a husband, that I wasn't so ugly that all my potential matches would run screaming. Considering we are as much twins as Fred and George are I do not believe that last insult held much fire. Though I am looking forward to you meeting his children, Rose and Samuel are adorable!

Now this is my eighth try at writing this letter and not sounding ridiculous, something I feel I have failed at, and my owl is looking like he is about ready to attack me if I don't give him this parcel to take to Molly, so this will have to do. I am very much looking forward to meeting you Harry, and to starting our lives together.

See you very soon

Yours faithfully

Fabian

Harry hid a smile behind his hand as he read the words again, they seemed to act like a balm over his frazzled nerves and soothed him. He was stunned to find that a large part of him was suddenly eager to meet the man behind this letter. The fact he seemed as nervous as Harry was comforting, and that he honestly seemed to want this, a family, with Harry. Carefully folding away the letter and setting it safely down he pulled out the present inside. He gasped as he pulled out a beautifully tailored set of robes in a warm beige and forest green, tugging out a pair of black dragon hide trousers embellished with green swirls. Running his fingers over the gorgeously soft fabric of the roes his fingers caught another note, stuck to the fabric but coming off easily with Harry's tug.

Please forgive my forwardness, but Molly and Arthur informed me a little of their worries of your home life, including that you seem to be dressed in a whale's hand me downs. I have no wish to meet you as anyone but wholly yourself. This is the start of my promise of my marriage vows to ensure you have everything that you need as well as friendship, love and support. I do not know what styles you favour, but when I saw these robes they brought to mind the picture Sirius sent to me and I had the buy them for you. When you arrive we will shop for a wardrobe for you that you want.

Yours faithfully

Fabian

This time Harry had to push back tears as he tried not to wrinkle the fabric in his grip. The thought behind the clothes meant more to Harry than actually being able to step into this situation and meet the man that was to be become his husband wearing clothes of his own. Shaking himself he remembered Mrs Weasley's worry over time and forced himself to place the clothes carefully down on the sink, but not before he carefully folded the second letter into the first, and then he hurried to strip down and get into the shower.

He took as quick as possible in the shower while sill ensuring that he was thoroughly scrubbed from head to toe twice. Only then did he step out. Drying off as quickly as possible he then dressed into his new clothes, trying not to take too long even as he appreciated the softness of the fabric of the robes, or the comfort of the dragon hide trousers. He spared himself only one look in the mirror, blushing as he wondered what Fabian would think, before he hurried out the room after tucking his letters carefully into the inside pocket of his robes.

"Oh Harry, you look gorgeous," Mrs Weasley beamed when he stepped into the room.

"Poor Fabian will be tripping over himself," Arthur laughed coming over to pat Harry on the back. "You're looking a lot better," He added softly.

"Fabian left a letter in the present…I feel better now," Harry explained embarrassed.

"Good, I think this will be wonderful for you both. And that's not just the romantic in me," Arthur winked as Harry chuckled.

"Now these are from us dear, a congratulations on your bonding present," Mrs Weasley pressed a pair of soft ankle high leather boots into his hands. "And you can't refuse, I had an hour long battle with Fabian over the floo to be allowed to buy you these and not him. I flooed him to let him know you had agreed, he will be waiting for you at Gringotts," She added.

"Thank you. For everything," Harry said quietly, reaching out to hug the woman of his own accord for the first time. The sniff and warm, tight hug left no words needed.

"You're family Harry, its just going to be official in a few days," Mr Weasley chuckled also pulling him into a hug, when they parted and started towards the stairs however they paused when Harry made a choked noise freezing.

"I'm going to be your brother in law!" He squeaked.

"That will be a little strange yes," Mrs Weasley laughed taking his hand and leading him down the stairs as he blinked at her stunned. Well that was until he saw the living room. He blinked twice before he couldn't stop himself from bursting out laughing.

Petunia was sitting propped against a chair on the floor, bound up with what looked like her best sheets and table runner. Dudley was rolling about on his front, his legs firmly tied up in his snapped Xbox cable and his hands tied behind his back with what looked like his controllers. The best was Vernon though, he was hog tied in the middle of the room with an apple shoved into his mouth.

"Oh dear, perfect!" Mrs Weasley wiped a tear from her eye from her own laughter before she leant over to kiss Arthur's cheek who was grinning rather proudly at his work.

"I thought I should imitate reality," He said seriously sending Harry and Mrs Wesley off into laughter again.

"What about…what about if they say something?" Harry said trying to get his laughter under control as the thought occurred to him.

"Oh don't worry, they are not going to say a word, we assured that before we came to wake you," Mrs Weasley said with a glint in her eyes that Harry recognised.

"I always wondered where the twins got it from, its both of you!" He said in mock accusation, pointing dramatically to the two unrepentant grins on their faces.

"Don't tell them, they would be horrified to know they get it from their boring old mum and dad," Mr Weasley snickered.

"Now we're going to be apparating there, we get three streets away and Arthur will take you. Throw your hood up on your robes and we need to get to Gringotts as quick as possible, ok?" Mrs Weasley said making her way to the door.

"We have already let Hedwig out, she will no doubt meet you there," Mr Weasley added.

Nodding his thanks Harry took a breath as Mrs Weasley opened the door and then the three of them hurried out. Harry followed to two of them through the streets, practically jogging as they went until Arthur took his arm. He gave Harry a second to ready himself before he apparated them out. Harry had to admit while he had imagined what it would feel like the apparate, he never imagined it would be that bad! It was like being squeezed through a straw! Two pairs of hands steadied him when they reappeared in Diagon Alley until he got his bearings a minute or so after. Then he tugged his hood up as instructed and they hurried out the alley they had appeared in.

The alley was surprisingly busy considering the time of night, but then Harry remembered that there was restaurants and bars leading off the alley that he had never had the chance to explore before. They weaved their way through the late night wanderers, some of them clearly drunk, but the three hooded figures barely received a second glance as they hurried to Gringotts. It was only once they were inside that they started to receive worried looks.

"Over here!" The call seemed to put the Goblins and guards at ease straight away, and Mrs Weasley tugged Harry over to the side. He was a little shocked to see Bill standing there, but then he remembered the oldest Weasley son worked for Gringotts. "Follow me," He instructed, leading them down a corridor Harry had barely noticed before.

The winding marble corridors turned into a maze after about the fifth turn, and none of them were speaking as they hurried along, all of them aware of how close they were to their end goal. Finally they stepped into a massive black marble room where a small, old Goblin stood waiting.

"We can't go into the circle with you Harry, this is Goblin magic. Good luck with everything, and Uncle Fabian is brilliant, you'll be good for him. Besides it would have been humiliating for him if his nephew got married before he did," Bill added with a grin as he stepped away from the hug he had pulled a surprised Harry into.

"You and Fleur?" He asked pleased.

"Proposed yesterday," Bill said looking pleased with himself.

"Congratulations," Harry laughed hugging him again.

"And to you…soon to be Uncle Harry," Bill grinned.

"Oh Merlin, I'm going to be all your Uncle…" Harry gawped the thought not having clicked before.

"Bill!" Mrs Weasley scolded nudging her son out the way before hugging Harry herself and then holding his shoulders. "Now, you enjoy this time and let yourself be happy. You deserve everything I know that brother of mines wants to give you. Look after yourself, and look after him for me," she smiled hugging him again.

"We'll see you again soon Harry. Be happy," Mr Weasley hugged him tightly before gently kissing his forehead.

"Thank you, all so much, thank you," Harry said a little teary before following their urging into the golden circle carved onto the floor and towards the Goblin.

"Mr Potter," The Goblin eyed him.

"Thank you for your help in this," Harry bowed to the Goblin getting a shocked look and then what he reckoned was a smile.

"Griphook was right about you Mr Potter, unusual indeed. The Goblins are pleased to offer their help to a wizard who regards us as nothing but equal Mr Potter, and the luck be with you with your bonding," The Goblin nodded his head.

Harry watched as he stepped back and then allowed a drop of his blood to fall onto the carvings. Straight away the room lit up with a faint red glow before Harry felt as though he was being tugged down through the floor. He got one last look at the three Weasleys waving to him, Mrs Weasley…and yes Mr Weasley wiping tears from their eyes before his world disappeared into a blur. It was not quite a sickly as portkeying, however it was more dizzying. He felt a slight jolt making him risk opening his eyes and was greeted by a room almost identical to the one he had just left.

"Harry," His name was breathed out in relief and with a note of hope that seemed to make his heart skip a beat. The voice was deep and slightly rough, a strange mixture of a French and English accent detectable even through that one word.

Slowly he turned around and met the bright blue eyes of his soon to be husband for the first time.