Chapter 10: Ordeal and betrayal (or: Parents equal one of the Apocalyptic Riders)

The day of the trial against Lucius Malfoy approached. Or, as Molly called it, the day of her ordeal. She had to face a room full of ministerial workers, members of the Wizengamot, parents and Lucius Malfoy himself. It would be somewhere near the 7th circle of hell, she was sure of it.

Minerva, Poppy and Albus had agreed to accompany Molly to London. Albus in his function as deputy, soon-to-be headmaster and guardian of Molly. Poppy was there to tell the Wizengamot of the multiple injuries Lucius had inflicted on Molly. Minerva was moral support.

Now the four of them were standing in the Atrium. There was still time until the trial started. Arthur had said he would meet them near the fountain at 10:30. Minerva just wanted to sit down on the rim of the fountain when Arthur popped up out of nowhere, startling Minerva in the process. Minerva not expecting the young man to suddenly appear at her elbow near tumbled over into the water but was caught by a very apologetic Arthur. She glared at him witheringly. Minerva was in an unexceptional bad mood. She had spend the morning throwing up after not doing so for three weeks and hoping to be past that phase of her pregnancy, finally. But no! And to top that the little bugger was somersaulting around in her and kicking her liver, lung and generally speaking everything it could reach.

Arthur shrank back instinctively. He had four younger siblings and remembered how his own mother had been when pregnant. He had already learned that thou shalt not cross a pregnant woman. At least not without a bribe.

Albus was amused to watch his wife. Her usually calm demeanour had been destroyed by their offspring's unusual activity today. It was high time that the holidays started. Minerva would then be able to relax and give birth in peace and quiet. But now they had to focus on Molly and getting her through the trial.

With a wry smile Arthur backed further away from his ex-professor. He wanted to stay alive in order to comfort Molly. It wouldn't do at all to be killed by a homicidal pregnant ex-auror before the trial started and he had a chance to be there for his Molly. Molly. Today would determine her future. He had to focus on her. And …

Arthur had turned around to ask Molly to placate Minerva. He was shocked to see a broad grin on Molly's face. She was certainly enjoying the entertainment he provided. He was just about to retort when he blanched. All colour was drained from his face and it seemed he was about to faint. Molly looked at him curiously and asked him what was wrong. She didn't get an answer but distinctly heard Poppy gasp behind her. Turning around, Molly steeled herself for the sight of Lucius Malfoy in shackles and guarded by aurors. But what she saw instead nearly knocked her off her feet. William and Ginevra Prewett were coming towards them. Molly did slump down onto the ground. Relief flooded her body. Her parents were here and would protect her. They would see that Malfoy was an evil no-good piece of work and annul the engagement. Alas ...

She was wrong.

"How dare you stand there near my daughter? Get away from her, you scoundrel!! You sullied her and now you dare talk to her!"

William Prewett was livid with righteous anger. Molly just stared at her father. She was certain that she had misunderstood him. Why would Dad think Arthur attacked me? Then it hit her. Hit her hard. He hated Arthur so of course he thought that Arthur, sweet and gentle Arthur, had done this terrible abominable deed. And now it got worse.

"I know everything about what happened last week. Now I'm not blaming Professor Dippet or the Hogwarts staff. It's all his fault. I'm just glad that he didn't deflower my daughter. thank you again, Professor Dumbledore, that you were there in time to prevent worse things from happening."

Molly was beyond shock. What was her father talking about? Arthur saved her alongside Dumbledore. Lucius Malfoy attacked her. Had her father gone over the ...? No, don't even think about it. It's not proper to thing about one's father in that way. But he had most definitely gone mad if he thought that Arthur was the culprit. Albus' thoughts seemed to run along the same lines. He asked:

"What are you saying?"

"Lucius, the good boy, informed us that Arthur and Molly have been in contact with each other over the last month. Despite her engagement, I might add. This is inexcusable. How could you do that Molly? Does an engagement mean nothing to you?"

Molly's mouth hung open most unbecomingly. But it was Poppy who replied.

"Are you implying that all this had been Molly's fault?"

Her voice was low but very dangerous. It reminded Molly a lot of that evening in the Hospital Wing. If her father had asked her, she could have been able to tell him that no one messed with an infuriated Poppy Pomfrey. Molly began to grin. One wrong answer and he would be in for a spanking.

"Well, no but if she had stayed in the castle she would have been safe. She is 17 years old. She should know that young men only think with their testicles and are automatically drawn to the forbidden."

Minerva was fuming by now. Molly on the other hand was sadder than ever before in her life. These were the things she had thought about while lying in the Hospital Wing but hearing them was ten times worse. Arthur's arm came around her waist and he drew her close. His voice was quiet but determined.

"I'm never have or will hurt Molly. I love her and I'm going to marry her. With or without your blessing."

Molly was dumbstruck. Arthur had really stood up for her and their love. Every minute she spend with him, made her fall in love with him all over again and more deeply than the last time. but her father was having none of this.

"You will remove your hand and your howl person from my daughter. Today you will be charged with attempted rape and I assure you that my daughter won't marry a convict."

There was spittle flying from Mr. Prewett's mouth. His face was very purple and he seemed to have an apoplexy. Minerva was on her feet now and screaming.

"Your daughter? YOUR daughter? What d'ye think yer doin'? Who'd ye think yer kiddin'? Nobody! Bloody NOBODY! Ye giv a damn abou' yer daughter! Molly is in luv wi' Arthur. Lucius Malfoy, that rottin' snotty scum, nearly raped her. Not once ye came ter Hogwarts ter look how's she doin'! Whatever grab Malfoy has bin tellin yer is wrong! But ye believe him more than yer own flesh and blood."

Minerva was still screaming bloody murder but now it was in the Gaelic. Albus, who had been amused up until now, was sidling towards his wife. Gently he put one of his hands on her neck and under normal conditions it would have worked. But not so today. Minerva's nerve were wearing very thin through the pregnancy and her job as teacher. Now there was a chance to vent all her pent-up anger on someone. Someone who really deserved it, to be sure. Poppy was backing away from the irate Scottish witch. It was always dangerous to be near a McGonagall in a temper fit. Minerva was starting to say very foul things about Mr. and Mrs. Prewett in Gaelic. One is always thankful for the little blessings but unfortunately they got the general meaning. Mr. Prewett looked ready to do battle. Mrs. Prewett looked mortally offended. She settled for yelling back.

"How dare you imply that I don't care for my daughter? You trollop! Everyone in our community knows what kind of girl you are. I sure now that Molly gets all these wrong ideas about love from you. How dare you mess with my ..."

Ginerva Prewett was cut off by her own daughter. Molly's anger flared up when her mother started to yell at her teacher. Her anger ignited her Gryffindor pride and bravery. She would not let her parents insult either Arthur or Minerva McGonagall.

"STOP! Just shut up! Minerva's right. You and dad aren't interested in my wishes or needs at all. Lucius Malfoy is vile and cruel and you know it. I love Arthur! I WANT to marry him and I WILL. Minerva and Albus have been better parents to me than you could ever have been. For the first time I feel really loved, accepted and wanted. You Have be because it was your duty to produce heirs. That's all. No love."

A loud snapping noise was heard as flesh struck flesh. Ginerva had slapped her daughter as hard as she could. Molly went sprawling on the ground. Minerva leaped at Ginerva to retaliate but was held back by her husband, who looked as furious as Minerva felt. She was glaring at both Prewetts with a promise of death. Slowly. Painfully. And with the maximum amount of blood. Poppy knelt down immediately to take care of Molly. And Arthur?

He held his wand in a death-grip and pointed it directly at Ginerva's heart.

"Give me one reason and I swear I'll curse you. Stand back from my fiancée."

"Arthur, stop. Please. She is ... no, I don't want you in Askaban."

At Molly's voice Arthur turned around and went to her. He bend down and picked her up bodily. Before setting her on her feet, he held her for a swift moment and kissed her.

"You're ok?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you."

Arthur's finger gently stroked the red mark on her cheek. His eyes were sad and hurt. He felt everything she did. Molly looked into those beautiful eyes and made a decision.

"Stay away from me," she told her parents, "This is the last time you'll ever see me."

"You can't shut us out like that. We are your parents."

"No, you stopped being my parents with this display today. From now on I have Arthur and him alone. He is my family. The only family I need."

Molly had spoken quietly and with dignity. Now she took Arthur's hand and walked away from her parents. Not once did she turn back.

A./N.: It's NOT the end. Next chapters will follow. Please keep reading and reviewing.