1/4 half of Unpathed Chapter 6
The complete 1st half-- okay more like 1/4 of the chapter.
All i can is that this is going to be one long chapter. I hope to have it done by Friday.
Ch. 6
By Friday night, Lily and James were back at the Potters’ house. They were sitting in the parlor with the exception of Sirius who was upstairs somewhere. Sirius had tagged along with them to Potters’ because so far, the sabotage plan wasn’t going too well. They had argued for hours and still hadn’t come up with any sort of scheme. Well, they had come up with one, but Lily had flat out refused to do it. Now, they were back to square one. Lily and James were hoping that the contract would give them a few ideas.
"Well, now if everyone’s settled," said Fabius M. Pasternak- their own personal marriage contractor. The guy was so ancient Lily thought he belonged in a museum. "I’ll just hand out a copy of the contract to the betrothed." He was standing, but he was so hunched over that it looked more like he was standing in an invisible chair.
Fabius thrusted a crisp stack of parchment in her face. Lily took it hesitantly out of his wrinkled hands, fearing what she was about to read.
Marital Binding Contract
The Merge of Evans-Potter
In order to legally bind the marriage of James Harold Godfrey Potter and Lillian Rosemarie Evans, the following Guidelines of Marital Binding must be met six months prior to the ceremony. Following the guidelines, the Articles of Marital Binding state what is to take and what is not to take place during the marriage. Violation of an article may result in a Marital Probation or ultimately a Marital Separation. Any further questions concerning the process of Marital Binding can be answered by the family’s personal legal contractor.
Guidelines of Marital Binding
I. The Marital Binding Contract must be signed by both parties six months prior to the ceremony.
II. The ceremony date must be set six months prior to the ceremony.
III. The future bride must be tested and concluded to be fertile before signing.
IV. A formal engagement announcement is required.
V. Signing of the Marital Binding Contract requires a legal contractor from the Ministry of Magic to witness the signing.
Articles of Marital Binding
I. Both parties must be married by Christmas of their eighteenth year.
II. Once married, the newlyweds will officially take their titles as Lord and Lady.
III. The wife is required to take the husband’s name.
IV. The first child must be born five years after the marriage. (. A male heir is preferred but not required.)
V. The husband determines whether or not the wife may obtain a profession.
VI. The wife determines whether or not her husband can take a mistress.
VII. If the wife chooses for her husband not to have a mistress, unfaithfulness will not be tolerated and will result in an immediate Marital Probation.
VIII. An unfaithful wife is never tolerated and will result in an immediate Marital Probation or Marital Separation.
IX. Illegitimate children are deeply frowned upon (with a mistress) and will result in a Marital Probation. If the husband does not have a mistress than a Marital Separation will occur. In the case of an illegitimate child/children (in cases concerning both a mistress and a non mistress), the family will not recognize the child as part of their family, but the family will be allowed to support the child if they so choose.
X. Marital Separation(i.e. divorce) is hardly ever granted unless an Article is broken or both parties express extreme unhappiness in the marriage (see legal Contractor for more in-depth information concerning Marital Separation).
Once the legal contractor has checked and shown that all guidelines have been abided by, the families may officially sign the contract.
The Evans
_________________________________
(Lord Christopher Maxwell Evans III)
__________________________________
(Lady Sophia Kathleen Staffard-Evans)
__________________________________
(Lillian Rosemarie Evans)
The Potters
__________________________________
(Lord Godfrey Harold James Potter)
__________________________________
(Lady Viviane Constance Wortham-Potter)
__________________________________
(James Harold Godfrey Potter)
Verification by Legal Contractor
__________________________________
(Fabius M. Pasternak)
On behalf of the Ministry of Magic, we offer our congratulations to the future husband and bride-to-be. We wish you a lifetime of happiness.
Sincerely,
Milicient Bulstrode
The Minister of Magic and Staff.
"Well, are there any questions or concerns about the contract?" Fabius asked, eagerly waiting for Lily or James to respond.
Lily didn’t know where to start. The contract had been worse than she had thought. Honestly, what century were they living in? Was Lily incapable of making her own decisions? James was supposed to decide if she could work. Like hell he was! And don’t even get her started on the whole mistress crap.
"Um, I have a question?"
Fabius instantly straightened up at the sound of her voice, eager for some sort of attention. "Yes. Go on." Lily could see her parents shifting nervously in their seats. A small smile spread across her lips, satisfied that she was making them nervous. Served them right for putting her through this.
"Um, this contract doesn’t exactly seem fair to me."
Sweat began to form on Fabius’ eyebrows. "I...I don’t think I quite understand what you mean Miss?"
"I mean this isn’t Victorian times anymore. I shouldn’t have to have James’ permission to get a job. Marriage is more about partnership these days anyways. I should have an equal right to everything James does."
Fabius wiped the sweat from his brow nervously. "Um, pardon me Miss, but that’s exactly what you will get. This contract will entitle you to everything that Mr. Potter is entitled to- his estate, his inheritance, everything."
Lily couldn’t hold back rolling her eyes. "That wasn’t what I meant. What I meant was that I should be able to decide if I want to work or not, not James. And if he’s allowed to take a mistress, I should be allowed to take a...mister?" She turned her head towards James and whispered. "Is that what they call it?"
James simply shrugged, oblivious to the conversation going on. Lily narrowed her eyes at him. He was looking at the contract dejectedly and was paying hardly any attention to what was going on around him. Lily was about to ask him what was the matter, when he spoke up for the first time that night.
"So, if Lily and I marry, we will become the new Lord and Lady Potter?"
That was when it hit Lily. He was going to become the new Lord Potter- a title James had been fighting since he had learned to talk. Lily knew James had no desire to take his father’s title. He had no interest in politics, nor did he much care for the people who were involved in politics. As far back as Lily could remember, Mr. Potter had been pushing his son to be involved with the Ministry. On several occasions Mr. Potter literally had to drag James to the Ministry, which obviously didn’t have much of an effect on James. James had never really embraced the thought of taking over his father’s job and being the new Lord Potter. And as far as Lily could tell, he never would.
"Yes James," Lord Potter said, sternly staring James down. "When you and Lily marry, you will become the new Lord and Lady Potter."
Lily could hear the piece of parchment shaking in James’ hand. He was getting angry, but he was trying to control it. The Potters could sense James’ anger.
"James, we’ll discuss this later," Mr. Potter said sternly. James nodded and set the contract down on the table in front of them. He slouched down in the expensive eighteenth century settee , too deep in thought to notice what was going on around him. Lily knew she had lost him. There was no way that she was going to get this contract changed unless James was on her side. But as of now, he was too fixated on his own problems to help her out at the moment.
"Lily," said Mr. Potter, hoping to advert everyone’s attention from James, "please continue with what you were saying."
"Oh, umm..." It was useless to argue. It was five against one with an unwilling alibi sitting next to her. "Never mind. I just think we all need to look over the contract again. That’s all."
Lord Potter nodded, Lily saw her parents sigh in relief. "Alright, if that is your wish." Lord Potter stood signaling the end of the ‘meeting.’ "I think everything’s settled. Thank you Mr. Pasternak."
Fabius took the soaked handkerchief out of his pocket and dabbed his forehead furiously before shaking Lord Potter’s hand. "It’s my pleasure Lord Potter, and I shall be in contact with you shortly."
Lord Potter nodded in agreement and turned his attention to his sulking son. "James, let’s talk in my study."
Lily watched as James sighed and grudgingly got off the settee. Lily flashed him a reassuring smile. He tried to smile back but failed miserably and followed his father back into his study. Lily stood up too and was fixing to head upstairs, when she heard her mother call her over.
"Lily, could you come over here, please?"
Lily sighed and walked over towards her mother and Lady Potter.
"Yes?" she asked once she had approached their little group.
"Lily, I’m sorry this is such sort notice, but you’re going to have to go to a doctor tomorrow."
Lily stared at her mother dumbfounded. "What? Why?"
"Well, before we can go any further with this contract, first we have to make sure that you are capable of making babies."Making babies? Lily rolled her eyes. Why did her mother always insist on sugarcoating everything. "Mother, even a dimwit can consummate a marriage."
Mrs. Evans frowned. "Lillian, please don’t be sarcastic. It’s such an unbecoming quality."
Lily scowled at her mother, trying to restrain herself from sassing back to her. Lily had enough mannerisms in her to know better than embarrass her mother in public.
"Anyways," Mrs. Evans said with a wave of her hand, "you have an appointment tomorrow at ten with a Dr. Stom, and Viviane has offered to escort to your appointment."
For the second time that night, Lily stared at her mother dumbfounded. "Wait, you’re not going with me?"
Even as much as her mother crated her nerves, Lily still wanted her mother to go with her. Lily nervously began to bite her fingernails. Mrs. Potter was nice and all, but she would feel more comfortable going to a doctor with her mother. After all, she didn’t know what to expect when she went for her check-up; her mother did, and she would be embarrassed to ask Mrs. Potter.
"I know. I’m sorry Lily, but your father and I need to go back home tomorrow. Your sister’s coming in from Surrey, and you know we’ve hardly seen her since she married Vernon last year."
Lily nodded, slightly hurt that her parents hadn’t invited her to go along with them to see Petunia.
Mrs. Potter squeezed one of Lily’s shoulders. "There’s noting to be nervous about dear. The procedures quite simple. You’ll be out of that office in twenty tops."
Mrs. Evans nodded along with Mrs. Potter. "She’s right Lily. From what Viviane’s told me, it’s much simpler in the wizarding world than in our world, so you should consider yourself lucky okay?"
Lily nodded, trying to ease the dread in her stomach.
Mrs. Evans kissed her daughter’s cheek. "Now go upstairs and get some rest."
Lily turned to leave but turned back towards her mother suddenly. "Tell Petunia I said hello." Lily, without waiting for a reply, ran up the stairs to her room.
*******
"James, it’s not the end of the world."
James flopped into one of the big leather chairs in his father’s study and narrowed his eyes. "Maybe not for you, but it is for me."
Mr. Potter sighed. "Don’t go all teenager on me James. You knew this would happen eventually, so stop acting like this is the biggest shock of your life."
James cringed. Yes, he had known that this would happen one day. It’s just that deep down, he had always hoped that it wouldn’t. "Oh wait, you’re right. This isn’t the biggest shock of my life. No, that would be the time when you and mum went behind my back and had be betrothed."
Mr. Potter closed his eyes, trying to ignore his son’s statement. "James," he said as slowly and calmly as possible, "stop acting like a victim. I’ve told you over and over again that you would one day take my place as Lord Potter."
"I know that, but why? I don’t want it. I’ve never wanted it, so why do I have to do it?"
All i can is that this is going to be one long chapter. I hope to have it done by Friday.
Ch. 6
By Friday night, Lily and James were back at the Potters’ house. They were sitting in the parlor with the exception of Sirius who was upstairs somewhere. Sirius had tagged along with them to Potters’ because so far, the sabotage plan wasn’t going too well. They had argued for hours and still hadn’t come up with any sort of scheme. Well, they had come up with one, but Lily had flat out refused to do it. Now, they were back to square one. Lily and James were hoping that the contract would give them a few ideas.
"Well, now if everyone’s settled," said Fabius M. Pasternak- their own personal marriage contractor. The guy was so ancient Lily thought he belonged in a museum. "I’ll just hand out a copy of the contract to the betrothed." He was standing, but he was so hunched over that it looked more like he was standing in an invisible chair.
Fabius thrusted a crisp stack of parchment in her face. Lily took it hesitantly out of his wrinkled hands, fearing what she was about to read.
Marital Binding Contract
The Merge of Evans-Potter
In order to legally bind the marriage of James Harold Godfrey Potter and Lillian Rosemarie Evans, the following Guidelines of Marital Binding must be met six months prior to the ceremony. Following the guidelines, the Articles of Marital Binding state what is to take and what is not to take place during the marriage. Violation of an article may result in a Marital Probation or ultimately a Marital Separation. Any further questions concerning the process of Marital Binding can be answered by the family’s personal legal contractor.
Guidelines of Marital Binding
I. The Marital Binding Contract must be signed by both parties six months prior to the ceremony.
II. The ceremony date must be set six months prior to the ceremony.
III. The future bride must be tested and concluded to be fertile before signing.
IV. A formal engagement announcement is required.
V. Signing of the Marital Binding Contract requires a legal contractor from the Ministry of Magic to witness the signing.
Articles of Marital Binding
I. Both parties must be married by Christmas of their eighteenth year.
II. Once married, the newlyweds will officially take their titles as Lord and Lady.
III. The wife is required to take the husband’s name.
IV. The first child must be born five years after the marriage. (. A male heir is preferred but not required.)
V. The husband determines whether or not the wife may obtain a profession.
VI. The wife determines whether or not her husband can take a mistress.
VII. If the wife chooses for her husband not to have a mistress, unfaithfulness will not be tolerated and will result in an immediate Marital Probation.
VIII. An unfaithful wife is never tolerated and will result in an immediate Marital Probation or Marital Separation.
IX. Illegitimate children are deeply frowned upon (with a mistress) and will result in a Marital Probation. If the husband does not have a mistress than a Marital Separation will occur. In the case of an illegitimate child/children (in cases concerning both a mistress and a non mistress), the family will not recognize the child as part of their family, but the family will be allowed to support the child if they so choose.
X. Marital Separation(i.e. divorce) is hardly ever granted unless an Article is broken or both parties express extreme unhappiness in the marriage (see legal Contractor for more in-depth information concerning Marital Separation).
Once the legal contractor has checked and shown that all guidelines have been abided by, the families may officially sign the contract.
The Evans
_________________________________
(Lord Christopher Maxwell Evans III)
__________________________________
(Lady Sophia Kathleen Staffard-Evans)
__________________________________
(Lillian Rosemarie Evans)
The Potters
__________________________________
(Lord Godfrey Harold James Potter)
__________________________________
(Lady Viviane Constance Wortham-Potter)
__________________________________
(James Harold Godfrey Potter)
Verification by Legal Contractor
__________________________________
(Fabius M. Pasternak)
On behalf of the Ministry of Magic, we offer our congratulations to the future husband and bride-to-be. We wish you a lifetime of happiness.
Sincerely,
Milicient Bulstrode
The Minister of Magic and Staff.
"Well, are there any questions or concerns about the contract?" Fabius asked, eagerly waiting for Lily or James to respond.
Lily didn’t know where to start. The contract had been worse than she had thought. Honestly, what century were they living in? Was Lily incapable of making her own decisions? James was supposed to decide if she could work. Like hell he was! And don’t even get her started on the whole mistress crap.
"Um, I have a question?"
Fabius instantly straightened up at the sound of her voice, eager for some sort of attention. "Yes. Go on." Lily could see her parents shifting nervously in their seats. A small smile spread across her lips, satisfied that she was making them nervous. Served them right for putting her through this.
"Um, this contract doesn’t exactly seem fair to me."
Sweat began to form on Fabius’ eyebrows. "I...I don’t think I quite understand what you mean Miss?"
"I mean this isn’t Victorian times anymore. I shouldn’t have to have James’ permission to get a job. Marriage is more about partnership these days anyways. I should have an equal right to everything James does."
Fabius wiped the sweat from his brow nervously. "Um, pardon me Miss, but that’s exactly what you will get. This contract will entitle you to everything that Mr. Potter is entitled to- his estate, his inheritance, everything."
Lily couldn’t hold back rolling her eyes. "That wasn’t what I meant. What I meant was that I should be able to decide if I want to work or not, not James. And if he’s allowed to take a mistress, I should be allowed to take a...mister?" She turned her head towards James and whispered. "Is that what they call it?"
James simply shrugged, oblivious to the conversation going on. Lily narrowed her eyes at him. He was looking at the contract dejectedly and was paying hardly any attention to what was going on around him. Lily was about to ask him what was the matter, when he spoke up for the first time that night.
"So, if Lily and I marry, we will become the new Lord and Lady Potter?"
That was when it hit Lily. He was going to become the new Lord Potter- a title James had been fighting since he had learned to talk. Lily knew James had no desire to take his father’s title. He had no interest in politics, nor did he much care for the people who were involved in politics. As far back as Lily could remember, Mr. Potter had been pushing his son to be involved with the Ministry. On several occasions Mr. Potter literally had to drag James to the Ministry, which obviously didn’t have much of an effect on James. James had never really embraced the thought of taking over his father’s job and being the new Lord Potter. And as far as Lily could tell, he never would.
"Yes James," Lord Potter said, sternly staring James down. "When you and Lily marry, you will become the new Lord and Lady Potter."
Lily could hear the piece of parchment shaking in James’ hand. He was getting angry, but he was trying to control it. The Potters could sense James’ anger.
"James, we’ll discuss this later," Mr. Potter said sternly. James nodded and set the contract down on the table in front of them. He slouched down in the expensive eighteenth century settee , too deep in thought to notice what was going on around him. Lily knew she had lost him. There was no way that she was going to get this contract changed unless James was on her side. But as of now, he was too fixated on his own problems to help her out at the moment.
"Lily," said Mr. Potter, hoping to advert everyone’s attention from James, "please continue with what you were saying."
"Oh, umm..." It was useless to argue. It was five against one with an unwilling alibi sitting next to her. "Never mind. I just think we all need to look over the contract again. That’s all."
Lord Potter nodded, Lily saw her parents sigh in relief. "Alright, if that is your wish." Lord Potter stood signaling the end of the ‘meeting.’ "I think everything’s settled. Thank you Mr. Pasternak."
Fabius took the soaked handkerchief out of his pocket and dabbed his forehead furiously before shaking Lord Potter’s hand. "It’s my pleasure Lord Potter, and I shall be in contact with you shortly."
Lord Potter nodded in agreement and turned his attention to his sulking son. "James, let’s talk in my study."
Lily watched as James sighed and grudgingly got off the settee. Lily flashed him a reassuring smile. He tried to smile back but failed miserably and followed his father back into his study. Lily stood up too and was fixing to head upstairs, when she heard her mother call her over.
"Lily, could you come over here, please?"
Lily sighed and walked over towards her mother and Lady Potter.
"Yes?" she asked once she had approached their little group.
"Lily, I’m sorry this is such sort notice, but you’re going to have to go to a doctor tomorrow."
Lily stared at her mother dumbfounded. "What? Why?"
"Well, before we can go any further with this contract, first we have to make sure that you are capable of making babies."Making babies? Lily rolled her eyes. Why did her mother always insist on sugarcoating everything. "Mother, even a dimwit can consummate a marriage."
Mrs. Evans frowned. "Lillian, please don’t be sarcastic. It’s such an unbecoming quality."
Lily scowled at her mother, trying to restrain herself from sassing back to her. Lily had enough mannerisms in her to know better than embarrass her mother in public.
"Anyways," Mrs. Evans said with a wave of her hand, "you have an appointment tomorrow at ten with a Dr. Stom, and Viviane has offered to escort to your appointment."
For the second time that night, Lily stared at her mother dumbfounded. "Wait, you’re not going with me?"
Even as much as her mother crated her nerves, Lily still wanted her mother to go with her. Lily nervously began to bite her fingernails. Mrs. Potter was nice and all, but she would feel more comfortable going to a doctor with her mother. After all, she didn’t know what to expect when she went for her check-up; her mother did, and she would be embarrassed to ask Mrs. Potter.
"I know. I’m sorry Lily, but your father and I need to go back home tomorrow. Your sister’s coming in from Surrey, and you know we’ve hardly seen her since she married Vernon last year."
Lily nodded, slightly hurt that her parents hadn’t invited her to go along with them to see Petunia.
Mrs. Potter squeezed one of Lily’s shoulders. "There’s noting to be nervous about dear. The procedures quite simple. You’ll be out of that office in twenty tops."
Mrs. Evans nodded along with Mrs. Potter. "She’s right Lily. From what Viviane’s told me, it’s much simpler in the wizarding world than in our world, so you should consider yourself lucky okay?"
Lily nodded, trying to ease the dread in her stomach.
Mrs. Evans kissed her daughter’s cheek. "Now go upstairs and get some rest."
Lily turned to leave but turned back towards her mother suddenly. "Tell Petunia I said hello." Lily, without waiting for a reply, ran up the stairs to her room.
*******
"James, it’s not the end of the world."
James flopped into one of the big leather chairs in his father’s study and narrowed his eyes. "Maybe not for you, but it is for me."
Mr. Potter sighed. "Don’t go all teenager on me James. You knew this would happen eventually, so stop acting like this is the biggest shock of your life."
James cringed. Yes, he had known that this would happen one day. It’s just that deep down, he had always hoped that it wouldn’t. "Oh wait, you’re right. This isn’t the biggest shock of my life. No, that would be the time when you and mum went behind my back and had be betrothed."
Mr. Potter closed his eyes, trying to ignore his son’s statement. "James," he said as slowly and calmly as possible, "stop acting like a victim. I’ve told you over and over again that you would one day take my place as Lord Potter."
"I know that, but why? I don’t want it. I’ve never wanted it, so why do I have to do it?"