Is This All There Is?

by Divess

It seems not everyone has learned a lesson from the War. Instead of taking time to relax, look around and enjoy their freedom. There has been a big rush from the war generation to marry and settle down. Many of these marriages will last while some won't. This is drama and this is Dramione. T OOC/OC. Novel length.

7. Milestones

All things Harry Potter belong to JKR. Nothing but the story line belongs to me.

Rated M for language and subject matter some may find offensive.

Previously on Is This All There Is? Chapter 6: A Matter Of Timing

Ginny and Harry's conversation had started off reasonably enough even though Harry knew Ginny was in a rage. By the end of the conversation, Ginny had called Harry some choice names suggesting he keep his trifling arse away from her and her family. In addition, Ginny just about spit that he wouldn't see the baby when it was born.

Harry didn't want to argue in the middle of holding so he asked Ginny to accompany him to his office. She refused and continued being abusive.

Harry finally had enough and called George. "Get your sister. She has made herself very clear. I don't need to hear anymore of it. Get her out of the Ministry now or I'll have her in a holding cell."

Ginny tried to slap Harry, but he caught her hand. "You Weasleys and your quick hands. Please leave now Ginny. I'll be by to talk to you tomorrow."

"Don't bother."

Harry nodded. "Okay Ginny. Have it your way. You always do."

While he and Ginny were arguing, the Bond Officer had completed Ron's bond out procedure. As required by law, Ron was advised to stay away from Hermione and told he would be notified of his trial date. After speaking with the Bond Officer, Ron was allowed to leave.

Arthur said goodnight to Harry, but Ron walked by with his head down.

Harry had looked at Ron in disgust thinking he should walk out with his head down. He was a thoughtless prick who along with his silly mistress had opened something they might not be able to close.

That night. Harry decided to stay in the Auror Quarters at the Ministry because as far as he knew he was now a wizard without a home.

Is This All There Is? Chapter 7: Milestones

Hermione's chin and throat pained her so much she'd had to take a pain draught which had worked as effectively as if she'd taken a sleeping solution. Five minutes after her head hit the pillow she was asleep.

/**/

Hermione woke Saturday morning to hotel mail delivery knocking on her door. On the way to the door she had glanced in the mirror. She had been horrified to see her chin and throat showing purple finger marks which she hastily covered with a charm.

The delivery witch apologized for disturbing Hermione explaining one of the letters was a special parcel which had to be delivered immediately upon receipt. She had taken it upon herself to bring all the mail.

After thanking the witch, Hermione opened the special delivery first. The parcel was information from the realtor. He had sent the completed bill of sale, the entry card to the house and information on the pending sale of her old flat as well. Hermione was excited. She was now a homeowner. In addition, she was a witch who would receive a very handsome sum when her former home sold.

Her exciting news had even made her face stop hurting.

The second letter was from Harry telling her he was a wizard without a home. Ginny had banished him from their home. Hermione sighed. She hadn't wanted Harry to be caught up in the middle of her problems because it wasn't his fight. Hermione immediately wrote back to inform Harry of her purchase inviting him to take one of the extra rooms in her new home. Hermione also mentioned wanting to hear more about his idea.

The third message was from Draco. He was wondering how the house showing had gone and if she had liked the house. Hermione answered him back immediately as well explaining she loved the house and already had the title in hand. She thanked him for his information regarding the availability of the house.

After finishing the letters, Hermione took a shower, put on jeans and a jumper and took her mail down to be sent out.

/*/

Hermione wanted to get to her new home to get an idea of what she would need. She had checked the mirror to make sure the charms were still in place and was headed towards the door when someone knocked. Not one to be fooled twice, Hermione grabbed her wand before opening the door. It was Harry who had been very pleased to see her with wand in hand. He had hugged her and walked in.

Hermione told Harry not to make himself comfortable because she was on her way to the new house and he was going to be her guard.

Harry grinned as he replied to Hermione. "I'll be your guard only if I can stay wherever you are staying until I get back with Ginny."

Hermione hugged Harry apologizing for dragging him into the middle of her problems while confirming the invitation she hadn't yet mailed out.

Holding up the response she would have mailed back to him, Hermione extended a verbal invitation. "You are welcome to stay in my new home for as long as you want."

Harry waved off her apology. "I'm not very happy with Ginny right now. She and I probably would have had this argument anyway. Besides, you didn't throw the first stone. Let's go see our new home."

/*/

Harry and Hermione went downstairs where she dropped off her letter to Draco. Then they walked outside the hotel wards so they could apparate to the house.

When they landed, Hermione gave Harry a tour of the outside and the back garden. Harry who had been nodding his head throughout the whole tour was very impressed with what he saw. Once inside, Hermione invited him to look around. He had been just as impressed with the inside as he had been with the outside.

Harry chose the bedroom on the lower level which had it's own entrance, bathroom en suite and small sitting room. "This is quite nice. If it wasn't for the baby, I might never go home."

Hermione laughed for the first time in almost twenty four hours.

She asked Harry to set the wards and adjust the floo while she walked the house to check what was needed.

/*/

By the time Hermione was done checking her needs, Harry was sitting in the reception area relaxing.

Hermione listened to Harry as she picked up the home furnishing catalogue the realtor had left on the table. Ordering from the catalogue was the lazy way, but it was the fastest way. While Harry explained his idea in full, Hermione had one eye on the catalog and one ear on Harry.

When Harry stopped talking Hermione shared her thoughts. "I'm not really a vindictive witch Harry. However, with that said. Ron Weasley will not walk away from this unscathed. Him and his poor excuse for a family will find out what it is to be terrorized. When do we start?"

"Just to be clear. We are not trying to come off all cunning and clever. All we want to do is tell the truth. We'll post a few photos of Amanda and her pregnant belly, a copy of the letter and the outstanding charges against Ron. We'll have it turned into a lovely article in the Daily Prophet. We will have to get quotes from Amanda as well as make it known you have filed for divorce. It will be best if posted as a general article as opposed to a gossip article."

Hermione smiled at her co-conspirator. She did like his idea.

Harry stood to be on his way. "If you think you'll be okay, I will be on my way to meet with Mr. Ezra Smith, premier correspondent for The Daily Prophet and my personal friend. I'll double check with Ezra. But I think if we can get everything together today, the story can be run on Sunday as well as Monday. Ron and his family will find when they piss off the brother sister team of Potter and Granger. Life can get quite complicated."

Hermione looked thoughtful before making a point. "You realize your wife and mother in law are in it up to their chins?"

"I love Ginny and hopefully she'll be able to explain her part in siding with Ron's mistress," Harry had sadly replied. "If not, she'll have to take her medicine along with the rest of them. I'm hoping she will come clean and apologize to you. We'll see. I'm going to track down Mr. Smith to get things rolling."

Hermione stood and hugged her friend.

/*/

After Harry left, Hermione got busy ordering the items she needed for the house. She wrote up her furniture, appliance, linens, utensil order, entered her delivery date and called an order owl from the catalog house. While she waited for an answer from the catalog house, Hermione made a list of foods and liquors she needed.

When Hermione finished all her lists and orders, she had leaned back thinking how much she loved magic. Having lived in the muggle and the wizarding world. She would take the magical world every time.

She was still sitting in the chair relaxing when the receipt from her catalog orders was delivered by owl. Her scheduled delivery date was Tuesday morning at 8:00 am. There was a notation advising her that the service would come in and set everything up as she had directed. She didn't even have to be there if she set her wards to accept deliveries.

With that out of the way, Hermione went out to shop for the miscellaneous items, liquor and food. Utilizing the shops in Diagon Alley and Diagon Place, Hermione set everything up to be delivered. She had also purchased and shrunk down smaller items like linens, bath accessories and utensils taking them home with her.

Hermione set the wards for the deliveries which would arrive that day and proceeded to set up the bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchen.

The Muggle style kitchen had every possible appliance. Except for Harry, she knew she would have to teach her magical friends how to use the appliances.

/*/

Hermione decided if Harry was going to be at the new home tonight she would stay as well. With things settled for the moment. Hermione Apparated back to the hotel to pick up her mail. While there she sent an owl to Harry letting him know she was back at the hotel for a bit, but would be back at the house shortly.

Hermione gathered up all her things from the hotel room, shrunk them down and checked the entire suite to make sure she had packed everything. She then went down to settle her bill. She also gave the mail desk her new address. After that, she apparated back to her new home.

Hermione hadn't been gone long, but by the time she returned her purchases had been delivered. She adjusted her wards back to her personal preference and pulled out the wine.

While tidying up in the bathroom, Hermione noticed the charms covering her bruises were wearing off. She wouldn't be leaving the house any more that evening so she didn't bother to reapply them.

Grabbing a glass of wine, Hermione sat down to read her mail. The first was a very nasty letter from Ginny accusing her of fabricating things and treating Ron in a despicable manner. Hermione couldn't understand what had made Ginny so angry she would go to these lengths. She didn't bother sending an answer. She did hold the letter aside to show Harry.

The next letter was a response from Draco. He was happy she had purchased the house and wished her well. He also jokingly asked Hermione to wish him luck with the trainees on Monday.

Hermione smiled at his note admitting that the new Draco was growing on her.

/*/

Harry returned to the house around 3:00 accompanied by his contact Ezra Smith. Harry introduced them.

Having forgotten about her bruises which by then had turned deep purple, Hermione suddenly realized why Mr. Smith was looking at her and quickly looking away. She hadn't replaced the charms covering her chin and throat.

Hermione was about to excuse herself to remedy the situation when Mr. Smith suggested they get photos of her injuries.

Hermione had balked.

Mr. Smith explained they wouldn't have to show her entire face because the bruises along with the story would speak volumes.

Harry nodded his agreement so Hermione took a deep breath and consented to the photos.

Mr. Smith took the photos himself so they wouldn't have to call in a photographer. After taking the photos, Ezra questioned Hermione a bit to make sure he and Harry hadn't missed anything. As far as Hermione knew, Mr. Smith had all the information including the fact the divorce filing had been precipitated by the letter from the mistress.

Like Harry and Hermione, Mr. Smith had a mobile. He exchanged numbers with Hermione so he could check with her if he had any more questions. He had then shaken hands with Harry, told Hermione he was sorry for her troubles and left the house.

Ezra's leaving made Hermione realize she needed to set up some floo lines. She made a mental note to call Floo Services. She and Harry would need a floo to the Ministry. Other lines could be set up as necessary.

/*/

After Ezra left, Hermione took Harry into the kitchen to give him a quick run down on the Muggle appliances, but Harry had parried. "You're preaching to the choir Hermione. I'm pretty well set. I've been around most of these things half my life."

While Hermione was preparing supper. Harry got a call on his mobile. He excused himself to the reception hall to take the call. Harry didn't divulge who had been on the phone and Hermione hadn't asked.

They shared a meal of roast chicken, mashed potatoes and carrots. Afterwards they had settled down to have a few drinks.

Hermione remembered the letter from Ginny and pulled it out for Harry to read. Harry finished reading the letter and threw it aside. With a look of disgust he had huffed. "My lovely wife."

Hermione didn't comment.

The conversation came around to the upcoming story. It was then Harry informed Hermione that the call he received had been from Ezra. Ezra had informed him that a reporter sent to interview Amanda Styles had procured a story with photos for fifty galleons. The article would revolve around Amanda's interview, but Hermione's divorce filing would be the high point of the article. Ezra also mentioned the story would be sub-titled Our Golden Girl Files For Divorce.

Hermione was a little nervous that this could backfire on her casting her as a bad person as well as a bad wife.

Harry offered his assurances. "The story will be done as tastefully as possible. The last place readers will lay blame is on you. Ezra is sure the story will run tomorrow and Monday in several different publications. He is going to owl me a copy as soon as it comes off the press. There will also be an article on you and Malfoy. It will entail how thrilled the Chief Warlock and the Wizengamot are with the work and work ethics you and Malfoy have shown. The article will have nothing but praise for the changes you've made in the way Case Administration is handled. It will quote Kingsley on his issuance of honorary Wizengamot Rings to you and Malfoy. You and Malfoy will be front top of the page. Ron's story will be front middle of the page. Tomorrow should be an interesting day."

/*/

Harry had gone to take a shower when an owl tapped on the window. Hermione retrieved the message and fed the owl a bit of cracker before it flew away. The message was addressed to Harry so Hermione laid it on the table.

After his shower, Harry opened the envelope to find a copy of the front page of Sunday's Prophet to which Ezra had attached a short note.

Goes on sale tonight about 8:00. Better get a couple of copies. It's going to be a sell out.

Ezra.

/*/

Harry spread the page out on table so he and Hermione could look at it together. The article about Hermione and Draco was top front as Ezra had said. The article about the Weasley's was middle front of the page also as Ezra had said.

Proof Copy, Article 1

Hermione Weasley and Draco Malfoy Getting Rave Reviews from the Wizengamot.

Information coming out of the Ministry is all good as far as The Chief Warlock and the Wizengamot are concerned. Hermione Granger Weasley and Draco Malfoy have become the team to beat as they review, revamp and update the way Case Management is handled. Barnabas Coakley, Wizengamot Elder went on record complimenting the team. "It is a pleasure to have two such fine, committed individuals on our staff. We look forward to working even more closely with Mrs. Weasley and Mr. Malfoy in the future."

Even the Minister is quoted as saying. "Hermione and Draco have made my Wizengamot the happiest they've been in decades. It was my pleasure to present them both with honorary Wizengamot rings for their superb performance. Both seem to have a very bright future with the Wizengamot. Well done Draco and Hermione."

Proof Copy, Article 2

THE CHEATING WEASLEYS

Our Golden Girl Files For Divorce

Hermione Granger Weasley has filed a divorce petition against her husband Ronald B. Weasley. It is all down to his cheating ways and his conniving relatives, Ginevra Weasley Potter and Molly Weasley. (see photo 1)

Since August, Mr. Weasley has been keeping company with Miss Amanda Styles, former food witch at our British Ministry. Miss Styles who is pregnant with Mr. Weasley's child was glad to speak with The Prophet (see photo 2) praising Ginevra and Molly as two witches who are helping her put things right. Ron's sister Ginevra and his mother Molly helped Weasley hide these facts from his wife even before they married. All the details of his illicit affair came to light when Miss Styles directed a letter to Hermione Weasley (see photo 3) spilling the whole sordid pile of beans.

This reporter also found out Mr. Weasley recently volunteered to work in the Irish Ministry because Miss Styles recently moved to Ireland.

In a separate incident, Mr. Weasley was taken into Auror custody Friday evening when he was discovered assaulting his wife in an attempt to keep her from leaving him. (see photo 4)

This reporter has to wonder if Ronald Weasley is off his feed. He takes a mistress, but assaults his wife when she tries to leave him. How many witches does this wizard require?

It appears the former Mrs. Weasley has taken everything in stride as she was heard to remark. "What can we expect from a piece of dragon shite with the morals of a Hippogriff in heat? Good luck to him."

Personally, this reporter thinks the Weasley's should be ashamed. Harry Potter could not be reached for comment on what he thought of his wife's behavior.

Greg Johnstone, Reporter

The Daily Prophet

The Devonshire Bugle

The London Times

/*/

Hermione covered her mouth to stifle her laugh as she croaked. "We'll be killed in our beds."

"I know," said Harry with a grin. "Brilliant isn't it."

The two friends laughed for almost fifteen minutes before Hermione sobered enough to think about her partner.

"Harry, I'm going to invite Draco over. I want to share the stories with him. It's the least I can do after he led me to this beautiful house."

Harry frowned. "Malfoy helped you find this house?"

Hermione nodded.

"Wouldn't a simple thank you suffice Hermione? Why do you have to invite him over?"

Hermione paused to stare at Harry before she answered. "Um. I don't know Harry. Maybe because I want to. I would also like for you to be here. So do me a favor and calm down."

Harry smiled, "Oh. I thought you wanted me to leave so you could be alone with the wonder of the Wizengamot."

Hermione slapped Harry across the arm as she got up to send a note to Draco.

Draco,

If you aren't busy, please come by my home. It's not important, but I have something you should see. Also, it would be so much easier to laugh with you if you stepped out of the dark ages and purchased a mobile.

Your partner,

Hermione almost Granger.

Hermione called for owl services. Ten minutes later the owl picked up the message.

/*/

It was Saturday evening. Draco should have been in the shower contemplating getting out with Blaise and Roderick. But he had been in a mood ever since his father had mentioned Hermione's injuries. He had tried to remain calm because none of it had anything to do with him, but he couldn't. Hermione was his partner and colleague who didn't deserve the bullshite she was going through. At least that was what he kept telling himself. What he couldn't explain was why he wanted to throttle Ron Weasley. Hermione's problem was a husband wife issue. He shouldn't be thinking about Weasley at all.

The tapping on the window snapped Draco out of his reverie. He wondered who would be sending a message by standard owl. Most of his friends or acquaintances had their own family owls.

Draco read the message and smiled his first smile of the day. He laughed as he read the message for a second time.

Hermione had invited him to her home to show him something. She also wanted him to get a mobile phone. The mobile was probably so she could call him every day she was away to order him around.

Draco smiled again as he hurried to the shower. He wasn't going to let himself get excited. Hermione probably only wanted exactly what was stated in the message. She was still a married witch so she couldn't want what he wanted.

Could she?

Draco dressed carefully, but casual. He wanted to look good even if Hermione was going to end up reading him the riot act.

He also decided to step out of the Dark Ages by purchasing a mobile phone on his way to Hermione's house. He would have to spend a few minutes learning how to use it before he turned up at Hermione's, but it would be worth his time.

Draco didn't have to worry about learning to use the mobile because the sales clerk had been glad to show him the ins and outs of a mobile phone. As many times as she had bent over in front of him, Draco wondered if there were other ins and outs she wanted to show him as well. The clerk had boldly plugged her own number into his mobile.

That's not happening thought Draco, but he did wave to the girl on his way out of the store.

After leaving the electronics shop, Draco looked around for a liquor shop. He wanted to bring Hermione some wine. Luckily for him he didn't have far to go as there was a liquor shop right across the street. Draco purchased what the proprietor told him was a very good wine.

With his purchase solidly in hand, Draco Apparated to the outside of Hermione's new home. Before walking up the stairs, he had to take several deep breaths to slow his heart down.

"I hope I can control myself and refrain from throwing her down and having my way with her." Then he had sighed. "As if."

/*/

When the door bell rang, Hermione asked Harry to get it.

When the door opened, Draco looked curiously at Harry muttering, "Potter," as a greeting.

Harry looked at Draco and in return muttered, "Malfoy" then stepped aside to let Draco come through.

Hermione came into the reception area to greet her guest and had to scold Harry. "Close your mouth Harry or some random bug might fly in."

Turning to Draco, Hermione invited him to come through to the living room. Draco handed her the wine.

Hermione thanked him for his thoughtfulness.

/*/

The first thing Draco had noticed were Hermione's bruises which were showing quite clearly. He didn't want to embarrass her so he didn't make any reference to the bruises. Draco had to look down at his feet because he was sure his feelings were showing on his face.

Harry took the wine from Hermione and went to the kitchen. That left Hermione standing there facing Draco who hadn't moved an inch since coming through the door.

Hermione suddenly realized she hadn't renewed the charm which covered her bruises. Stepping closer to Draco she softly remarked. "The bruises are a lot better. They are not as bad as they look," before leading him to the living room.

Draco only nodded as he sat down.

/*/

Harry came back into the living room taking a seat beside Hermione.

Draco was uncomfortable. If he had known Potter was here, he wouldn't have come.

The room remained quiet until Hermione opened the conversation. "We have something to show you. Since you were there for the beginning of the end. I want you to be one of the first to see this," as she gestured to the newspaper page.

Draco picked up the page. His eyes were first drawn to the headline, THE CHEATING WEASLEYS. Dracocouldn't help smiling as he read the entire article. He actually laughed out loud when he read the part about Ron being off his feed.

Once or twice Draco looked up to smile at Hermione and she had smiled back. When he had finished the one article, he started to put the page down. Hermione told him to read the top article.

Draco grinned while he read the article. He was being lauded and it was all down to the witch sitting across from him. If Potter hadn't been there, Draco was sure he would have done something very sexual to Hermione and had his head handed to him on a platter.

Harry stood up and offered Draco his hand. "Congratulations Malfoy on a job well done. Your attitude, your behavior towards Hermione and the job you've done have proven me wrong. I apologize."

"Thank you Potter," answered Draco. "It's all down to Hermione. She is a no nonsense partner who would not hesitate to thump me if I got out of line."

Harry laughed at Draco's description. "I know exactly what you mean. Hermione can be tough yet she is a loyal friend and fierce advocate to those who warrant it. In fact, she has given me a place to stay while my wife decides if she wants me back or not. My wife has seen fit to side with her brother. I've been thrown out of my own domicile. I may shortly be joining Hermione in the ranks of the divorced."

"You'll be joining Hermione and myself in the ranks of the divorced. My wife has seen fit to side with Theo Nott's private parts."

They had all laughed.

/*/

Even though Harry had offered his hand. It was still a little uncomfortable with conversation floundering every so often.

Draco remembered his new mobile phone. He pulled it out of his inside pocket to show Hermione. The conversation picked up again as both Harry and Hermione showed Draco some tips and tricks. Within the hour Draco had learned all there was to know about his new mobile. Up to and including plugging in Harry and Hermione's numbers.

Hermione got up to refresh their drinks while Harry and Draco actually held a decent conversation.

Draco took the time to apologize for his behavior and actions at Hogwarts taking every bit of blame onto his shoulders even as Harry told him how he felt.

"It is still very hard to swallow. However, Kingsley has made it clear that things done by you and your mother were done under penalty of death. Some things I just can't forget, but I can move on. Apology accepted."

After the apology, the conversation picked up. Harry, Hermione and Draco had then had a great time picking on Hermione's soon to be ex-husband.

The conversation got a little serious when Draco commented on witch abuse. "For a wizard to put hands on any witch is unacceptable. For him to put hands on his own wife is revolting."

Harry nodded in agreement giving a scathing reply. "Ron has turned into a real piece of shite."

/*/

At 10:00 pm, Draco decided he should be going.

Harry stood to shake Draco's hand at the same time telling Hermione he would be leaving for a bit. "I'm going to take a chance and go by my house to see if Ginny has calmed down. Will you be alright alone?"

"I'll lock up tight. I'll be fine."

Draco and Harry commented simultaneously. "Call me if you have trouble."

Draco was surprised and pleased when Hermione hugged him after hugging Harry. He left the house with a pounding heart.

Harry left right behind Draco insisting he would be back if Ginny was still unwilling to let him into his own home.

/*/

Harry tried to apparate into Grimmauld Place, but the wards had been changed. He grimaced. I believe my lovely wife is still angry. Without another choice, Harry stood out front of his house and called out his own address. Harry had to knock three different times before Ginny decided to open the door.

Her first words gave Harry his first clue. "What do you want? Have you come to arrest your pregnant wife and throw her in a holding cell or have you come to sing the praises of Hermione? News spreads quickly. I understand you're staying at her house now. Have you shagged her yet?"

Harry took a deep breath to keep himself from replying in a like manner. "What has gotten into you Ginny? You and Hermione are friends. What is this all about?"

"She was my friend until she decided she was better than anyone else," snarled Ginny. "She gets some big time position and is trying to lord it over everyone. She's no better than anyone else. At least I'm not sleeping with someone else's husband. Why don't you run along back to her bed Harry because you won't be getting into mine."

Harry felt his own temper growing. This time he did reply in kind. "You're out of your mind if you think there is something going on between me and Hermione. We're friends. That's all. You're my wife and I love you. What you need to do is stop listening to your mother and start thinking for yourself. We are having a baby. This is not the time to be at odds with each other."

"You've arrested my brother now you are speaking ill of my mother," screamed Ginny. "You rotten piece of shite. Get out of this house and don't come back. I'll have no one before I have you. GET OUT."

As Harry turned to leave, Ginny picked up a vase and chucked it hitting him in the back of the head. Harry didn't even turn around. He left Grimmauld Place and Apparated back to Hermione's house at Webley Court.

/*/

Hermione got up to meet Harry as he landed in the reception area and saw he was bleeding. Panicking, she ran for her wand so she could heal him.

Hermione's first thoughts were that Ron had pulled a fast one and hexed Harry on the sly. There was a large gash on the back of Harry's head which Hermione cleaned and closed with magic. She also cast a Tergeo to remove the blood that had run down the back of Harry's shirt.

"What happened Harry?" Hermione asked softly. "Was it Ron?"

With weariness heavy in his voice Harry told her the truth as embarrassing as it was. "Ginny happened. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to my room. We'll talk tomorrow. Goodnight."

Hermione couldn't believe Ginny would be so vicious and vindictive. She could have hurt Harry.

After checking if everything was locked up tight, Hermione retired to her room as well.

/*/

On the way home, Draco had stopped off to buy several copies of The Daily Prophet, Devonshire Bugle and The London Times. He was definitely going to hold onto the papers for those times he needed a good laugh. He was also chuffed at the article that had been written about him and Hermione.

Draco stopped in his father's study to show him the articles.

His father had clapped him on the back citing a job well done. "You and Mrs. Weasley make a great team. You have made your mother and I very proud."

Draco left a copy of each paper with his father before leaving the study.

Lucius never mentioned the Weasley article. Even though he didn't comment, Lucius too felt a wizard who put hands on a witch deserved everything he got.

Alone in the study, Lucius sent an eyes only message to Ezra Smith which read;

So far, so good. Don't let up on those bastards. If they want to fight Mrs. Weasley, they will fight us as well. My son has a new wife to court. I don't know how long he'll be able to keep his feelings to himself. It won't do his reputation any good if he makes approaches on a still married witch.

L

/*/

Draco sat on the side of his bed savoring the fact Hermione had hugged him. He was one for one. She had kissed him and now she had hugged him. Draco sat there hoping Hermione's next move would be to fall on top of him. In his bed. The thought of Hermione in his bed brought up something he hadn't had in a few weeks. A full erection. Draco looked down at himself and gave his dick an order. "Go back to sleep. I won't be using you any time soon," and with a heavy sigh headed to the bathroom to take a shower and put his erection back to sleep.

/**/

Sunday morning started off with a flurry of owls from friends, colleagues and acquaintances wishing Hermione well and lending their support.

By mid afternoon, the owls were lined up outside jockeying for position to get inside. Hermione was amazed that so many witches had fallen on her side. Even witches who had barely spoken to her at Hogwarts had sent messages.

There were a few messages that spit venom. One such message came from Fleur Weasley. Hermione read it and discarded it. Fleur Weasley didn't have any bearing on Hermione's life. Hermione didn't care what she thought. Another message arrived from Ginny Weasley herself. It too spit venom adding that Hermione was a filthy slag for sleeping with her husband.

Hermione cried over that message and had gone dejectedly back to her bed.

/*/

Harry came upstairs and collected the rest of the messages from the owls laying them all out on the table. After reading the messages from Ginny and Fleur, Harry knew he should talk to Hermione.

He knocked on the door of Hermione's room hearing the tears in her voice when she told him to enter.

Harry hesitated to step all the way into Hermione's bedroom which made Hermione feel even worse. "I'm so sorry Harry. If it looks inappropriate to Ginny and your in-laws, it might look inappropriate to others. You might want to rethink your living arrangements."

A pissed off Harry had his reply ready. "If that's what you'd like me to do, that's what I'll do. What I won't do is allow the Weasleys to drive a wedge between you and I. If you feel comfortable with me here, I'm staying."

"Wait for me in the living room Harry. I'll be right out so we can talk."

Harry went back to the living room to wait.

He and Hermione discussed the situation. They decided they would continue to show a united front. If the aspersions came, they would handle them together.

For the time being, Harry would remain at Hermione's.

Some light had shown through the otherwise dismal day when Hermione realized a great percentage of the messages were congratulatory messages for the article on she and Draco. Many of the messages were from people who had been in her law classes including her two professors.

/*/

Ron Weasley was cursing the stupid bint Amanda. She had started all this. Hermione would never have found out if Amanda hadn't been stupid enough to write that bloody letter. He picked up the Daily Prophet and shook his head. To top it off, Amanda had taken galleons from a reporter to tell their story. Bullshite things he had told her while he was shagging her were laid out there for everyone to see.

Ron knew he had stepped in it now. Not only had he cheated. He had put his hands on Hermione. He hadn't meant to hurt her, but she had been trying to leave him. He loved Hermione. She had filed for divorce and everything was over. He hadn't received the paperwork yet, but imagined what was written in the article to be true. This whole thing had gotten out of hand and he had to get it fixed.

His behavior had even impacted his sister and his mum. The flourishing bakery business his mother and Fleur had been running out of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes had dried up in a matter of hours. Deliveries had been cancelled. Pending orders had been cancelled and several investors had pulled their support. The baby sitting service Molly ran out of the Burrow had also taken a hit. The mothers of six of her eight charges had sent owls declaring they would no longer be using her service. They didn't want her and Ginny helping their husbands find mistresses.

Molly was in a state, but she and Ginny would not take responsibility for any of it. They were still blaming Hermione for everything.

/*/

After reading the article in the Prophet, Fleur had packed up her husband and child to head back to France. Fleur told Bill they were not going to stay and get painted with zee same tar brush as his family. They were going 'ome.

This entire thing was a mess. When Fleur first addressed the issue with him, Bill had told her to stay out of it. Which for the most part she had. Bill didn't want to leave his mum, but even he thought she and Ginny had brought all this down on themselves.

He was still trying to get over how his family had backed some tramp over Hermione. By Sunday evening, Bill and his family were on their way to France with plans to stay until all the shite blew over.

/*/

Much like Hermione, the Weasleys had received a great many owls, some of which contained howlers. The witches of the magical world had taken a stand. They were standing against a husband who abused his wife, a sister-in-law and a mother-in-law who condoned cheating and worked against the wife as well. Many had shown their feelings through messages to the Prophet telling how despicable they thought the Weasleys were. Some went as far as to suggest Arthur Weasley should see to his family before he tried to see to the magical world. A few asked where Harry Potter was in all this. It had turned into a huge mess.

/*/

Waving a copy of The Prophet, Ginny came in screaming at her brother. "Do you see what your bloody wife has caused? She has just about ruined mum's businesses while I'm being painted as some kind of monster. They are painting me and mum as home wreckers. What are you going to do about this?"

Ron turned to his sister shouting back at her. "Shut up Ginny. For once in your life. Shut your bloody mouth. You're worrying about this when you should be worrying about getting your husband back."

Ginny hadn't blinked. She pulled out her wand and shot a stinging jinx at her brother.

Ron screamed in pain meaning to hex his sister back. But Arthur stepped in.

"That will be enough Ginny. If you raise that wand against your brother again, I'll break it in two. Now go sit down."

A furious Ginny told her father she would go one better. She would go home.

Ginny had slammed out of the Burrow, but Arthur was right behind his petulant child shouting for her to get her arse back in the house. It took Ginny ten minutes to come back inside, but she had obeyed.

A furious, red faced Arthur snapped. "Somebody start talking. And I mean now."