HP: Fairborn Adventures

October 20th, 1977

The weekend had finally arrived and with it some much-needed rest for the seventh year from all four Houses. As per usual, Harry and she were sitting together during breakfast; this morning, it was the Ravenclaw table where Florence joined them soon after.

"Plans for the day?" Her best friend asked casually while skimming over the headlines of the Daily Prophet.

"Busy as usual..." Marlene said as she helped herself to some more Greek yogurt. "I have quidditch practice at 11:00. Then Harry and I planned to finish an essay for arithmancy together after lunch."

Harry held up a finger, pausing to swallow down a bite of oats: "And we still have three rolls of parchment to add to the paper for Slughorn."

'And there's our private studies as well.' Marlene tossed her hair over one shoulder, shooting him a quick nod.

"You should have dropped some more classes after OWLs like I did." Florence shook her head: "And I still can't believe you're taking all the classes from sixth year."

"We already withdrew from those we have no interest in." Marlene shrugged.

"Yeah, but you're still taking Arithmancy, Runes, Potions, Charms, Transfigurations, DADA, and even Herbology." Florence counted them all on two hands: "I don't see either of you working as a Healer, or in an apothecary so what could you possibly need Herbology for?"

'It was quite useful for some of the rituals.' Marlene exchanged a small, knowing glance with her boyfriend, who winked at her when it was obvious that they came to the same conclusion: "Occasionally it has its uses..."

"Urgh, you guys are so annoying whenever you communicate silently like that." Florence gestured between them, rolling her eyes sarcastically: "Yes, it's very cute and lovely and all, but also rather annoying..."

Marlene was about to reply when her attention was captured by a large flock of owls that came through an open window high up towards the ceiling of the Great Hall.

"The post owls have already arrived." Harry frowned as they watched the animals seek out their targets: "But these have definitely traveled together..."

The two dozen owls landed in front of a variety of students, most of whom belonged to Ravenclaw or Slytherin, a large brown one expectantly held out a leg towards Marlene.

Feeling the curious gazes of her housemates, Florence and Harry on herself, the blonde untied the expensive envelope. She ran the tip of her wand over the top, cutting it open, and pulled out the letter that was contained inside.

The parchment felt very soft and rich in texture. Golden letters elaborately decorated the cover page. She flicked it over and began reading.

Dear Lady Marlene Elizabeth McKinnon,

We sincerely hope this letter finds you well as it is our utmost pleasure to break this happy news to you personally. I am getting married to my beautiful fiancé, Esmeralda from the House of Borgia. We request the honor of your company on this particular occasion because your blessings would be a great gift for us.

The date of the wedding is fixed for December 29th and will be organized at Malfoy Manor in Wiltshire. This spectacular festivity towards the end of the year shall be unrivaled in prestige and remembered by anyone attending for many generations to come. To celebrate the continuity of my name and legacy, no expenses have been spared.

We invite you to share our happiness and celebrate the union and the beginning of our new lives. We would be obliged to get a favorable reply from your side, and we would be expecting your presence at the wedding.

Thanking You,

Yours Truly,

Abraxas Percival Malfoy,

Lord of House Malfoy

"A letter from a secret admirer?" Florence teased her, winking at Harry who simply continued devouring his breakfast unbothered.

"No, not quite." Marlene read the letter a second time, snorting audibly at the irony: "It's actually an invitation to a wedding."

"Really? Who's getting married?" Harry asked curiously.

"See for yourself." She handed him the envelope, unable to stifle her laughter the further he read.

"I'm struggling to believe it." Harry scratched his head, passing the letter over to Florence who was at the edge of her seat in anticipation: "I was really hoping blonde ferrets would go extinct in Britain in the near future."

She chuckled in amusement: "Do I hear jealousy at not receiving an invitation yourself? Don't worry too much, love, I can always take you as my date if you insist."

"Malfoy invited the children of Britain's most prestigious pureblood families with the exception of the Blacks, the Potters, and me." Harry grimaced, letting his eyes roam over the great hall: "I don't think it would be well received if you brought the killer of his late son to his wedding."

"He didn't invite the Potters because of how close they are to you, but why not the Blacks?" Florence frowned, glancing over her shoulder to the Slytherin table where Regulus Black didn't receive a letter either: "Aren't the Malfoy's closely aligned with the Lestranges, including Bellatrix Lestrange ne Black?"

"I'm assuming Malfoy's pride is hurt because the Blacks denied him the marriage to their youngest granddaughter, Narcissa. Lord Black wanted to elope her with Harry instead." Marlene slipped onto her boyfriend's lap, pecking his cheek affectionately before taking his hand in hers: "Luckily Harry was wise enough to make the right choice..."

"A choice I won't regret for the rest of my days." Harry replied with a soft smile, nestling her against his chest: "What do we know about Malfoy's new bride? Her name sounds Spanish..."

"Portuguese actually." Marlene corrected him with a small smile, remembering her grandfather's teaching on the genealogy of the oldest European wizarding families: "They were once the most powerful family in magical Portugal but have fallen from grace after the main branch sided with Grindelwald in the war."

"Two families, both fallen from grace. What a perfect fit." Florence giggled. Then she grinned mischievously, leaning over the table in a rather provocative manner: "Don't worry too much, Harry. I will make for excellent company while this voracious blonde harpy is out to dance on some boring, bigoted pureblood wedding. The two of us will have lots of fun together."

"No, I don't think so." Marlene narrowed her eyes, fingers curling into Harry's robes possessively: "This one is mine, dear Florence,and if I can't bring him as my date then I'm not attending the wedding. Besides, I don't see any reason for us to go there in the first place."

Whereas Florence pouted, Harry bobbed his head: "The entire wedding will be a farce for Abraxas Malfoy to regain a glimpse of the reputation he lost after I killed his son. From what Charlus and Arcturus told me, the man has worked extra hard over the last year and a half to leave the ultra-conservative pureblood circles and establish himself as a sort of middle man, whose true loyalties only lie with the Ministry and the betterment of magical society."

"How does this help his reputation?" Florence asked.

"He started rebuilding his business connections to neutral and even a few lighter families while making very generous donations to a variety of Departments, including the Aurors." Harry explained: "He even started his own beneficence, a sort of charity for Saint Mungo's in his name."

"It works rather well from what I've heard." Marlene chimed in: "The name Malfoy is now associated with the largest philanthropist wizarding Britain has witnessed since the war."

"It will be interesting to see whether he still tries to uphold that image now." Harry mused, sipping on his glass of orange juice: "His motives made sense back when it looked like the family name might go extinct without an heir; he desperately tried to be remembered and have a legacy. However, if what he claimed to the Blacks is true and he can still father children, then I don't see him keeping this act up for much longer."

"An heir would change a lot of things for him." Marlene shifted in Harry's lap, exchanging a quick glance with him: "Including some additional motivation to finally take revenge for the son you killed."

Florence became very silent and stilled on her seat, eyes shifting between the couple. Harry's green orbs hardened in an instant; the tips of his finger dug into her hips.

"If he's smart he will enjoy his remaining time with his foreign bride- ." A cold, sharp smile tugged on the corner of his lips: " -and spend his gold on more lucrative endeavors than petty revenge..."

October 27th, 1977

Large gray clouds covered the sky. Rain drummed against the hood that covered his head. The few other shoppers either cowered underneath umbrellas or sought refuge underneath the overhanging roofs of the surrounding buildings.

Harry dodged a large puddle of water on the cobblestone road he headed down, checking his reflection in the window of a nearby store as he went. Ordinary mouse-brown eyes and dirty blonde hair stared back at him.

'Perfect.'

Fewer and fewer customers crossed his path as he stepped into one of the less popular shopping areas of Diagon Alley. He spotted his destination a few shops ahead of him. A wooden shield, chained to a thick beam, creaked in the gentle breeze, rain dripping down the golden letters.

'Gerald's Magical Jewelry'

Silvery pearl necklaces, bright sparkling earrings, and dozens of other complex golden pieces of jewelry, enhanced with gemstones were on full display in the window. Harry twisted the handle and stepped inside the shop, accompanied by the melody of a flute that was automatically triggered.

"One second, please." The voice of a man drifted over from the room behind the counter.

Powerful traces of magic lay thick in the air as Harry closed in on some of the pieces that were held in boxes of glass for demonstration purposes.

'Anti-theft wards.' Harry grimaced, holding his hand over some of the ornaments next to him: 'None of which I'd like to trigger.'

"Here I am, here I am." A short man, perhaps a few inches taller than Flitwick hurried towards him from behind the counter: "How may I be of service, Mr. - "

"I came to pick up my order, sir." Harry removed his hood, dispelling his disguise with a flick of the Elder Wand: "I was told it was ready..."

"Right away, Mr. Peverell, right away." The vendor's eyes widened when he recognized him: "Please give me a minute to collect them."

"Of course, sir." Harry nodded and the man hurried back to where he came from.

A minute later he emerged, carrying a small wooden tray with two identical boxes on it: "I must admit it was a pleasure working with two artifacts so unique." He placed the tray on the counter and simultaneously opened the lids of both boxes: "Undoubtedly this is some of the best work that will ever leave the counter of my store."

Harry's breath hitched as he stared at the two rings, both of which sparkled bright gold in the warm light of the shop: "May I?"

"Of course, of course." The craftsman nodded eagerly, offering him the right box with a small bow: "This one will be for the lucky lady."

Harry's hand edged forward inch by inch until it seized the ring and gently lifted it from its bracket. Strings of gold twisted around, catching themselves in a never-ending circle. He brought the ring closer to his eye, eager to take in the incredible details that were on the outside arc.

Hundreds, perhaps even thousands of white and black gemstones, none of them thicker than a few strays of hair, had been embedded into the golden layers. They sparkled in the light, allowing Harry to easily follow the pattern they depicted, which ran around the entire length of the ring.

'Two animals chasing one another in a dance. Both looked like horses if it weren't for their graceful set of wings.'

The vendor tentatively cleared his throat and presented a few pieces of parchment: "I started the design based on the memory you showed me and the crest on your family's ring, Mr. Peverell. I've never seen a Granian or Thestral myself, but I think I got very close to how you experienced them."

"That you did." Harry swallowed heavily. He brushed the tip of his fingers over the tiny stones that depicted the two magical creatures: "They look incredibly realistic. What stones did you use?"

"I was able to use white moonstones for the Granian and obsidian for the Thestral." He explained enthusiastically before pulling Harry's attention to the top middle of the ring: "The design on both rings is identical and symmetrical with the exception of the central emblem, right here..."

"So hers will be the Granian." Harry marveled at the detail that the middle was designed with. Then he took out the second ring, which had been crafted for him, holding them close together to compare: "While mine will be a Thestral."

"Exactly." The vendor nodded happily.

"Have you touched upon the runes?" Harry picked up the rings, studying the insides, which were covered in layer upon layer of tiny carvings, and runic patterns.

"I have tried to get an understanding of them, Mr. Peverell." The man shrugged apologetically: "But I failed to figure out a few of the charms that have been placed on it. Perhaps if you could share their origins with me- "

"The rings were simply some very old family heirlooms." Harry shared truthfully: 'There's no need to tell him from which family exactly though.'

"I was able to gather that they were ancient, despite the preservation charms the goblins had embedded into the gold." The vendor pondered: "I've often been presented with old jewelry and asked to enhance it but I've never quite encountered charms like the ones on those two."

'And I doubt you ever will.' Harry hid a small smile: 'Slytherin's Parselmagic is rather unique.'

"I would advise you to be careful though, Mr. Peverell." The small wizard's voice drifted back over to him, shaking Harry from his thoughts: "Right on the inside of where the main crest is positioned, there is a tiny pentagon that, if I'm not mistaken, acts as a trigger. Perhaps you want to go to a curse breaker to check it before wearing the rings on a daily basis..."

'Blood magic.' Harry frowned as he analyzed the rune that was shown to him: 'Definitely not something I should go to Gringotts with.'

"Perhaps I will." Harry smiled kindly, placing the rings back into their respective boxes and closing the lids: "How much do I owe you, sir?"

"Resizing them to match your requirements was quite exhausting, Mr. Peverell." The man fumbled with his fingers: "Add to that the costs of the thousands of tiny gems I engraved, updating the preservation charms and reworking th- "

"Please, just state your price, sir." Harry held up a hand: "Work such as this deserves its fair reward."

"Very well." The vendor swallowed heavily: "I consider 500 galleons for each ring a proper compensation for my services. Of course, you may seek me out in case of any misfits or other issues."

"I see..." Harry nodded slowly, not surprised by the immense sum the man was asking.

'But the rings are worth it.' He buried a small flash of satisfaction: 'Marlene is worth more than all the gold in my vault.'

"Take this to Gringotts, sir." Harry pulled out a small note he had prepared, grabbed a quill that lay on the counter, and scribbled down the total sum of 1.000 galleons before signing it: "The Goblins will see that you receive your payment."

"You are most generous, Mr. Peverell." The vendor quickly stored the check within his robes before offering Harry his hand: "It was a pleasure doing business with you. Feel free to seek me out anytime you're in need of magical jewelry."

"A necklace then, perhaps." Harry shook the offered limb with a grin: "I can promise you that I won't ever come back for another set of rings."

"Of course, of course! Hopefully, there won't be a need for that." The man buckled with laughter: "I wish you all the luck for when you pop the question. You have everything you need now; an extraordinary set of rings for an extraordinary lady, as I'm sure."

October 30th, 1977

The bright green flame roared before his vision cleared and he stepped out of the fireplace into a familiar, well-decorated room.

"Good evening, Harry."

Brushing some dust off his shoulder he glanced up to see Matthew McKinnon watching him from across the room, leaning against the bust of some Roman emperor that stood on a shoulder-high, marble podium.

"Matthew- " Harry walked over and offered the young Auror his hand: " -It's good to see you again."

"You as well." The other wizards shook it, then led the way towards the living room: "My parents are expecting you."

Harry merely nodded and followed.

They passed various antique statues and decorations, walking in silence until Marlene's brother spoke up again: "So... how is my sister?"

"Probably very cross with me because I had lied to her to sneak out and meet you guys." Harry grinned sheepishly: "I'll need a very good excuse to make it up for her."

"Oh, she was always the one to hold a grudge the longest." Matthew chuckled in amusement: "Luckily, it's her birthday soon. You'll just have to make it extra grand and you might be forgiven..."

'Or I just share my reason for sneaking out.' Harry allowed a small smile to play on his lips: 'That should brighten her mood as well.'

They soon turned a corner and stepped through an open set of oak doors into the large living room at McKinnon Manor.

"Mother, father, our guest has arrived," Matthew announced their arrival, making the older couple look up at him.

"Mr. Peverell." Alfred McKinnon shot him a nod and offered him a stiff hand in quick greeting, his wife remained firmly seated, watching Harry like he was a cockroach on her spotless marble floor.

"Thank you all for receiving me so spontaneously." Harry took a seat at the far end of the table, accepting the cup of water that was brought to him by a tiny house elf.

"You spoke of an urgent matter." Lord McKinnon frowned at him: "What is it you'd like to discuss with us?"

"This right here." Harry pulled two small boxes out of his robes, placed them on the table in front of him, and opened their lids: "I'm going to propose to your daughter, sir."

There was a long silence during which all three McKinnons stared at the sparkling set of rings before Marlene's mother snorted audibly, followed by high, humorless laughter: "You have some nerves to come here and approach us like that. How dare you- "

"That's enough, please." Lord McKinnon silenced his wife by raising a hand. He studied Harry curiously: "When I proposed a betrothal between the two of you six months ago, you were vehemently against it. What brought on this change?"

"She's with child now, isn't she?" Lady McKinnon spoke up again, despite her husband's warning: "Oh, I know your kind, Peverell, that would be the only reason good enough for you to stay- "

"I said that is enough!" Alfred McKinnon slammed his hand down, scowling at his wife until she gave in: "Please continue, Mr. Peverell..."

"Marlene is not with child, ma'am." Harry denied the accusation, stiffening a flare of anger: "We wish to have a family of our own in the future, but now is hardly the right time for that."

Lord McKinnon nodded gratefully, looking slightly relieved.

"I love your daughter, sir, and I can't imagine a world where she's not by my side. She's the perfect dream that came true, my perfect sunset." Harry spoke from the bottom of his heart, ignoring Lady McKinnon's flared nostrils and ugly sneer: "It took me some time to realize that. But when I finally did, I was able to be open with her. She accepted me for who I am. She loves me unconditionally and because I return those very feelings, I want to make her mine."

"And why are you here?" Alfred McKinnon swallowed heavily: "I doubt it is to sign whatever contract might be appropriate in this situation."

"You're right, I won't be signing any contract because there's no need for one." Harry chuckled: "I'm hers and she's mine. Whatever assets either of us own isn't of any importance to us, they will simply be shared just like the future we share together. Only Mother Magic might judge our union."

"I will repeat my question then." Lord McKinnon whispered: "Why are you here?"

"Frankly, I don't need to be here. If I were to go down on one knee in front of your daughter, I doubt she would hesitate for even a second..." Harry shot him a long look: "However, many of the customs Marlene grew up with are still of importance to her and I try to value that. Therefore, I came not to ask for her family's permission, but for your blessing in your daughter's hand in marriage."

"Do you really love her?" Matthew broke the silence that stretched after Harry's statement.

"With all my heart," Harry replied in earnest.

"Will you protect her?"

"With my life, if I have to." Harry nodded with determination.

Matthew studied him for almost an entire minute before he swallowed heavily: "Then you have my blessing, Harry. I want my little sister to be happy and from everything I've seen, I know she will be with you at your side."

"Thank you, Matthew." Harry smiled.

Alfred McKinnon stood up and walked over to Harry, pausing in front of him to pick up the box with Marlene's ring. Ice-blue orbs, which looked so much like his daughter's, became glassy as they studied the winged horses on the layers of pure, sparkling gold.

"You're a good man." He slowly set down the box with a nod, glancing down at him: "Please, take care of my little girl for me, Harry. She means the world to me and I only ever wanted what's best for her and the family."

'You have a weird way of showing it.' Harry swallowed his initial reply: "I promise I will, sir. Thank you for your blessing."

He looked across the table at his girlfriend's mother, not feeling too optimistic.

"Never!" The woman spat in a whisper, eyes sparkling with tears of anger: "Never will my daughter, pure of blood, have my blessings for a union with some half-blood like you."

"I had hoped your reaction might be different." Harry sighed, noticing the looks of disappointment the witch received from the rest of her family: "But deep down in my heart I knew it was in vain."

"You have stained her!" Lady McKinnon pointed a pale finger at him: "You have robbed this family of a worthy union to someone of noble standing. You have- "

Lord McKinnon lifted his wife out of her chair, trying to steer her into the next chamber.

"No, I have presented her with an opportunity!" Harry interrupted her tirade, finally growing tired of hearing her endless bickering: "An opportunity you yourself didn't have when you were her age which is the root of all the jealousy and hatred you're feeling right now."

"How dare you- "

"Your daughter will marry out of love one day and until that day you might still have the chance to beg her for forgiveness." He pocketed the two rings and pushed his chair back: "But you should know the following: if you fail to show up on said day and if you continue pushing her away, then you will lose your daughter and with it a large chunk of the only family you have left."

Matthew walked over to him gesturing back toward the hallway: "Perhaps we should let it rest for today and- "

"Dark days are coming for all of us." Harry gave the older couple one last look: "Don't make the mistake of pushing away an ally that might help you survive them."

October 31st, 1977

A French violin sounded from somewhere in the back. The walls were decorated with rich carpets and beautiful muggle portraits, the kind one might usually only find in museums. The only source of light was an assembly of candles, with the biggest one being positioned right on the table in the center of the room.

"This is so good." Harry was unable to help but moan and as he took another bite of the fish they had been served by the Room of Requirements.

"I'm glad you enjoy it." Marlene's laugh sounded like the sweetest melody: "It's only the third course yet. We still have dessert later..." Her tongue darted out licking her upper lip teasingly.

"I don't know if I've told you before, but you look incredible tonight." Harry let his eyes roam from her elegant updo down her slender neck and the strap of her dark blue dress that hung over a single shoulder.

"Florence helped me pick the outfit." Marlene batted her eyelashes at him: "I wanted tonight to be perfect."

"You've managed that." Harry whistled appreciatively, eyes widening in surprise when a bottle of champagne suddenly appeared in the middle of the table: "Where did you even get this from?"

"I hired James and Sirius to sneak into Hogsmeade and smuggle it back into the Castle for me." The blonde shrugged, handing the bottle over to Harry for him to pop it open: "The elves were very helpful as well when it came to the food."

"To what do we drink?" Harry filled two glasses, placing one in front of her. He shot her a curious look: "In fact, you've still refused to share why we're up here and not down in the Great Hall, enjoying the feast with everyone else..."

"You've shared your past with me; I've seen pretty much everything." Marlene bit her lip nervously, shifting a bracelet up and down her slim arm: "Today, this very date, is associated with so many unpleasant memories that from this year onward I wanted to change that."

"I see." Harry slowly nodded his understanding, a variety of images spinning in his mind.

'The green light of a killing curse while his mother begged for her child's life.'

'A troll in the bathroom'

'The opening of the Chamber of Secrets.'

'Sirius Black breaking into the Gryffindor common room.'

'Him being chosen by the Goblet of Fire.'

He grimaced: 'The list was sheer endless...'

"But your life is a very different one now." Marlene seized his hand over the table: "It's a life with me at your side. So I wanted to give you the chance to finally create some pleasant memories on this day..."

"Thank you." Harry felt deeply touched by the sentiment. He gently squeezed her hand and leaned over the table for a kiss.

"Go finish your meal." Marlene smiled softly: "I'd like to share a dance with you before we enjoy the dessert."

"As my lady commands." Harry grinned and dug in.

A few minutes later he was holding her in his arms, gently swaying her to the rhythm while she nestled herself against his chest.

"This is perfect." Marlene sighed contently, her fingers curling into the set of dress robes he was wearing for the occasion.

"The night couldn't get any better." Harry agreed in a whisper, his fingers trailing slow circles over her lower back: "Thank you for the surprise." He leaned down to capture her lips in a searing kiss: "It's a memory I'll treasure for every day to come."

"Well, the night is not over yet." Marlene took a few seconds to recover from his kiss before she grinned teasingly: "I'd like you to stay the night with me."

"You have that planned as well?" Harry chuckled as he watched her close her eyes.

"Of course I did." She replied smugly. The very next moment a path of candles leading to a large canopy bed appeared in the room: "Look, you can even carry me to bed, my love."

"Didn't you say there was still another course with dessert left?" Harry laughed, hoisting her up in his arms to carry her over.

"We can eat dessert anytime." Marlene giggled, steadying herself on the bedpost when Harry let her back down. She turned around, eying the bed critically: "Let's see then."

Harry merely watched her; a strange pang of nervousness settled in his stomach. Luckily it was quickly pushed aside by the dominating feeling of love that spread through his entire body. Love for the golden girl in the dark blue dress that had completely turned his world upside down.

'You can do this.'

Harry took a determined step forward and swooped his arms around her waist from behind: "Is everything to your satisfaction now?"

"Some more pillows and candles would do, don't you think?"

"Definitely." Harry swallowed heavily and took a step back, suddenly feeling the weight of a small box in the pockets of his robes.

'Just do it.'

"Tonight will continue to be perfect." Marlene thrilled while adjusting a few pillows. She wobbled slightly as she stepped out of her heels: "After all, I've hardly seen you over the last few days because you've been sneaking out without me." She shot him a small glare over her shoulder before her eyes sparkled with delight once more: "But now I finally have you all for myself. Tonight you will be mine..."

'This is it.'

He kissed her neck, fingers stroking through her golden hair: "I can be yours for the rest of our lives if you'll have me, love." He whispered barely loud enough for her to hear it.

"Harry?" Marlene slowly turned around, lips parted in surprise: "What did you just say, Harry?"

"I- " He was so enthralled by how incredible she looked that he almost forgot to take the next step. Her beauty was magnetizing, pulling him towards her like something he could only blame magic itself for. He had to physically shake himself out of his trance, one hand frantically searching for the box in his pocket.

Her eyes shifted from his face down to the box in his hand. They sparkled so heavily with emotion, while her fingers started trembling. Harry slowly went down on one knee, holding her gaze and opening the small lit of the box.

"Marlene Elizabeth McKinnon, there's only you. You're the only woman I'll see forever... In my eyes, in my world, and in everything I do, your sight is the only sight that will ever bring me peace."

She sucked in a sharp breath. Harry caught her heartbeat quickening. The blonde's chest rose and fell at a frantic pace.

He paused for a few seconds, swallowing the heavy lump in his throat while slowly taking out the small golden ring and presenting it to her, his eyes full of hope and love, his heart out on his sleeve.

Never before in his life had he felt so vulnerable: "I'm yours now; I'm yours forever. Will you marry me?"