All the Little Things

Part I

Chapter II

Arthur Weasley sat restlessly in the waiting room outside Amelia Bones' office. Though the woman was in charge of the DMLE and thus the person he reported to when the occasion called for it, he rarely had an actual need to do so.

His department was small and she trusted him to deal with most things on his own. Needless to say, Arthur wasn't even sure how to begin and he was worried she wouldn't welcome his skipping over the Auror department. But given the circumstances, he felt it was best to go straight to the top.

" , Madam Bones will see you now." The secretary smiled reassuringly at the obviously uncomfortable man; her boss was an impressive woman and most people were always mindful of not only her position, but her capabilities and intimidating aura as well.

Arthur shot out of his chair rather awkwardly and fiddled with his hat before drawing in a steadying, deep breath and making his way towards to the door with a nameplate clearly marked : Amelia Bones - Head of Magical Law Enforcement. He rapped on the door twice, before opening said door once he heard a voice call him in.

"Good morning , do sit down." Amelia Bones greeted the balding man genially but seriously. "I was surprised to receive your request for an urgent meeting. I'm sorry to have to ask you to make it quick however as I've got a rather important meeting with the Minister within the hour."

"Good morning to you as well Madam Bones. I must admit I was rather taken by surprise myself and find myself at loss as to where to begin…" Arthur sat down in front of his boss and took a shaky breath. Seeing Madam Bones nod for him to continue he pressed on. "Before I begin I must tell you that this is a most delicate matter and I feel it must be dealt with very carefully and I would prefer for the matter to be kept within this room."

"Very well Arthur, I will take that into account but as I still don't know what this is about I can't make any promises. Please do continue."

"I doubt you are aware of this but my youngest son, Ronald, is very good friends with Harry Potter… They met on the train to Hogwarts last year." Arthur smiled briefly at the memory of Ron's exuberance over his new friend, his proclaimed best mate. But the smile faltered at the reminder of his purpose here. "Ronald had been pestering us all summer to have Harry spend the summer with us; he actually arrived just yesterday but…" Arthur then launched himself into telling all that he had found out when he had arrived home late last night.

Ron woke up with a bit of a jolt; he'd been having that dream again of his brothers turning his teddy into a spider… One of these days he'd get back at those two.

"Morning Harry!" He mumbled before looking over to the bed that had been set up next to his but he frowned when he noticed it was empty. "Harry?" Ron rubbed his eyes and studied his empty room briefly before his stomach grumbled loudly. The delicious smell of breakfast drifted to his nose, appealing to his empty stomach, and Ron rushed to get dressed assuming Harry had already made his way down for some food.

He couldn't help but smile at the thought; Harry really needed to eat more and the Burrow was the perfect place for that. He hurried out of his room and sped down the stairs, jumping a few along the way. He was happy at the idea of spending the day with his best friend, showing him all that the magical world had to offer. This was turning into to be the best summer ever.

However Ron's journey was cut short when he spotted his brothers and sister all perched quietly on the last step. He eyed the twins curiously; since when did those two spend time around Percy without mercilessly taking his composure along with his sanity away from him? Actually what the hell was Percy doing quietly standing around with Fred and George? Something strange was going on. "OI! What's -"

"SHHHH!" Ron was cut off by all of his siblings glaring at him.

"Be quiet Ronald." Percy added with what Ron felt was a great deal of misplaced authority.

Curiosity overrode Ron's ire and he quietly made his way to the edge of the stairs listening as best he could, wondering what it was that was going on downstairs. His eyebrows shot up when he recognised his father's voice. His dad was never home on a week day. He could also make out his mother's voice and he cringed a bit at her wavering tone, whoever had upset their mum was in for a very bad time. Ron's face scrunched up a bit as he tried to make out a voice he wasn't familiar with so he leaned in further, promptly shoving Ginny out of the way.

Harry sat fidgeting at the Weasleys large wooden table, he was uncomfortable beyond a doubt. At least the panic he had felt when and an unfamiliar woman he had been told was named Madam Bones had first arrived had faded a while ago.

It had been a shock to find out how easily had been able to break through his armor, and not to mention very overwhelming to realise that his secret was out. He wasn't sure he had accepted it yet but he could also feel some relief and gratitude that someone was taking the trouble to care for him.

At first Harry thought he was having some sort of outer body experience, the idea that the Weasleys' wanted to protect him was perplexing to say the least. There was no benefit in taking him under their wing, was there? In fact, he thought that he might actually do quite the opposite and be a burden to them. had introduced him to Madam Bones, explaining exactly who she was and that she was here to help Harry.

Harry was so numbed by his initial shock that he had been unable to speak and had actually clung to as she recounted her brief chat with him just this morning.

Madam Bones had gently asked to see the bruise on Harry's head and he let her look; there was no sense in fighting it anymore. He could hear the adults discussing around him but it didn't really register in his mind.

He was so overwhelmed he found he could merely shake his head yes or no to the numerous questions that had followed.

Now Harry sat there, playing with the fraying edge of his over large hand-me-down shirt. The fog had started to lift and he was beginning to pay better attention to what the adults around him were actually talking about.

"This is a very delicate and serious situation we have here. Normally I'd insist the Children's Affairs department handle this but given who we are talking about I don't think it would be the best course of action." Madam Bones was talking softly but there was an edge to her tone that told Harry she was upset, about what though he wasn't sure.

"I know in cases like these you send them to another family member or a godparent…" started but her voice shook slightly at the end and she stopped abruptly.

"And that is why I feel it's best if I deal with this personally. This is going to take some time to sort out and as is both familiar and comfortable with your family and with Arthur's position in the Ministry I think he should remain here."

Madam Bones made sure to make eye contact with Harry. " , I will first say that I apologise on behalf of the Ministry for what our lack of inquiry in regards to your placement as led to. I promise you, I will treat this matter with the outmost discretion on your behalf. You will not be returning to your Muggle relatives and your choice as to where you wish to reside from now on will be taken seriously."

Harry nodded his head briefly in understanding; he was beginning to really like Madam Bones. She didn't mince words and actually took the time to talk to Harry; and understood that he was young but not stupid. Harry knew that from the way she carried herself to the conviction in her voice that she meant everything she said and he felt hope for the first time in his entire life.

"The Weasleys' have offered you a place with their family, . I find no reason to object and if you are agreeable to the idea, I can begin the proper paperwork to make it happen." Madam Bones added with a small smile at the way Harry's face lit up. "I'll need a verbal agreement ." She added sharply but with humour.

"I-" Harry paused and looked to Mrs. and Mr. Weasley.

"Harry, we would love to have you as part of our family. You're our Ronald's best friend, you're a fine young man and we want to give you all the things you deserve. Love, and a family you can count on." reached his hand out to clasp Harry's shoulder and smiled proudly at him as he spoke. Mrs. Weasley had been wiping tears away with a rather soggy hanky but smiled widely at him none the less.

"I would love to stay with you, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Thank you." Harry finally gave his first verbal answer in the last hour. He spluttered a little when gave him another bone crushing hug.

"Now Harry, none of that. It's Molly and Arthur please." Molly added while she fussed over Harry's hair.

"Well I think I have all I need to get started. I'll send you an owl when I have the rest settled. Though I'm sorry it was under such dire circumstances I'm glad I was able to meet you, , and I promise I will do everything in my power to help you. We will stay in touch young man, rest assured. Good day, Molly, and Arthur, I'll see you at the office tomorrow. Enjoy your day off with your newly extended family." With a final hand shake with Harry, Madam Bones rose from the table and made her way to the living room.

Harry watched curiously from the kitchen doorway wondering what Madam Bones could be doing with the Weasleys' – his new family's – fireplace. He glanced to the side briefly and felt his stomach knot up at the sight of the Weasley children staring from the top of the stairs and he realized they had most likely been eavesdropping.

Harry didn't have much time to think more on the matter when he saw Madam Bones actually step into the fireplace and reach into her cloak for what looked like a small cloth bag. She opened the bag up gently and reached inside, Harry leaned closer despite himself and looked up at the women in wonder. She smiled widely at his interest and flung down a handful of what appeared to be shimmering powder as she stated clearly "Ministry for Magic." Bright green flames flashed around her and Madam Bones disappeared from the Weasleys' fireplace.

Harry stared at the now empty fireplace completely gobsmacked before being tackled by Ron. "And that Harry, is travelling by Floo." His best friend smiled widely at him and Harry couldn't help but laugh despite all that had happened so far today. He felt good and he was relieved that Ron, despite knowing something big was happening was still going treat him normally. Like he was just Harry.

"I love magic!" Harry chuckled with a grin and he looked back to the Weasley clan, realizing that this was what family was supposed to be like and that they wanted him to be a part of it.

AN: Sorry for the delay folks, some computer problems arose and add onto that some bronchitis and well that's about it. Things are gonna be picking soon, I promise