Harry tried to control his nerves. "Umm…what about her?"
Fred raised an eyebrow. "Come now Harry. An intelligent man like yourself can surely understand our…situation."
Ron inclined his head. "I tried to overlook your behaviour for months; but you left me no choice but to bring you here."
Harry chanced a glance at the rest of the room. If Harry tried to put their expressions into a word, he would have used tentative.
"You're aware, Harry," Charlie began "How Ginny's latest relationship recently ended."
"Such an event brought us great joy…but also great fear." Percy said.
"You see, Harry, Dean Thomas, although we heartily disapprove of anyone who wants to date our sister, was passable, although barely. Now, with Ginny single again, a vacuum has emerged, and who knows what kind of rotten eggs could suck up to Ginny." Bill stated.
"So…" Harry found his voice. "This is about Ginny's relationships? Well, you're wasting your time. Ginny's not going to let any of you or all of you dictate what she can and cannot do with her life."
Contrary to Harry's belief, the Weasleys did not seem perturbed about this revelation.
"Oh, but Harry, we're not going to do anything to Ginny." Fred grinned.
"Yes, why touch a flawless diamond when you can deal with the thieves that want to steal her?" George asked.
"We tried, you know, to deal with the issue by using Ginny last year. You saw how that worked out."
Harry could all too well remember. Fred and George's Simple Guide to Dating our Teenage Sister.
"But tell me, Harry, what happens if we focus our attention on the slick, slimy suitors? Triumph, that's what will happen. We can – we shall eliminate all interest in Ginny." Percy stated grandiosely.
"And we'll only be left with Ginny's feelings, Ginny's affections, Ginny's dating interest to deal with. A far simply, far more manageable situation." Bill explained.
"What do you mean to do?"
"A pre-emptive strike, Harry, against those who would think of Ginny inappropriately."
"And when are you going to start?"
"Harry." Ron grinned. "The plans have already been set into motion."
The fading light of dusk caused long shadows to meander up the walls of the room. There was a moment of silence between all.
"Harry." Ron began, sounding genuinely apologetic. "I'm sorry it has come to this…"
