(a/n): Cheers to reviewers!

I have a thing for Weasleys turning against Harry. Happens in all of them, one way or another one or more have in my stories to date.

Much like for Willlack's different pov "...seeing slights everywhere and goading people into confrontations -" I don't see that as Harry's (or those on his side) opinion. But that's probably how an opponent would see it.

What? No thoughts Minerva's encounter? Wow I'm surprised. But i suppose the wedding overwhelmed it. It'll be interesting to see if something similar happens here. Character death coming!

Little bast continues to delight. Interesting idea, can't imagine writing it, but I'd read it.

And in the next few chapters people we haven't seen for a while are back. Remus, Tonks, the Diggorys, Sirius. A resolution to Sirius' case that fits with feudalism. The Grangers see the dark side of magic.

Can everyone see the image on the story? Did a little photoshopping.

25 - And The Rest of the Reception

Receiving in response just a continuing glare, Harry ignored whatever Mrs. Weasley had said and repeated his demand "I said, Problem?"

"I want YOU away from my family, Potter!" Charlie demanded, shouting over the music "You're dangerous! Violent! A murderer!"

Harry's response was as eloquent as it was un-subtle "Fuck you, Charlie!" He wasn't at all intimidated by the redhead's advance, but he backed up to where the DJ was playing dance music and snatched a microphone from among the various equipment "Can everyone hear me?" his voice boomed through the hall "Fine! I gave Ron my word I would not disrupt his wedding day! But his brother has other plans! So what's on your puny brain?"

"You're the on-" Charlie broke off, he'd caught the Muggle contraption Harry threw at him, but his voice didn't fill the hall. He looked at it in confusion.

Harry sneered at him "Moron. Turn it around and hold the red button." Of the DJ he demanded "Got another of those? Here! Gimme! Well now that you've figured out a microphone! Talk!"

"No. We have no idea what's going on." Amelia held her niece back "Even support might not be appreciated at the moment. Let's see what happens."

Charlie had been talking and the Bones women missed what he initially said "… give you the punch in the teeth you deserve if you insult me again."

"A threat? Ha!" Harry laughed at him. Then he turned serious "But I'll tell you this. If you attack me, you'd better hope you kill me. Or you'll be dead."

What had been a curious crowd, backed completely off the dance floor. Except Ron, who rushed up to his friend and said "C'mon Harry, stop it!"

"Sorry Ron." He apologized, then his expression hardened "But I didn't start it! Well?"

Charlie was arguing with his father "… no Dad. I'll have my say! You might have gotten away with killing Diggory and the Grangers' baby. But you don't fool me Potter!"

"Guess you don't read much." Harry sneered "Even that rag The Prophet reported me cleared. As for all the nasty look from you Grangers! I bet they skipped the part about her being barely pregnant!"

Hermione yanked the microphone from Charlie and declared "Why don't you leave, Potter! You and your whore!"

"One for our new Mrs. Weasley!" Charlie cheered

"Because your husband invited me." He countered coolly "And as for Susan, leave her out of this. She's ten times the woman you'll ever be."

Amelia again restrained her niece, offering an amused grin "Not something for a bride to hear on her wedding day."

"How long you gonna let this continue?" the teen Bones demanded.

Harry came down even harder on her "And you know how I see it? I kil … err … hafta rephrase that. That treasure hunt in the school basement… Remember? Well, here's the way I see that! I shared One Billion Pounds with you and what do I have to show for it? Huh? HUH? My eye gets gouged out by your BITCH MOTHER!" And with that, he tore off his eye-patch for all to see.

And the older Bones whispered "Think of some of the lessons I have taught you. As long as he, with his current abilities, can handle it, I will not intervene. The moment Harry cannot handle something, then I will get involved. I do not see any reason you cannot, although I so far have not seen the need." In those few seconds, the subject had completely changed.

"And that brings me to my sister. What's this I hear about you and her?" Charlie growled into the microphone.

Harry shrugged, not having any idea what he was referring to, but he also took another shot at Hermione "She's a close friend. And, better than Granger. She believed in me when I was falsely accused of killing Cedric."

"Don't be stupid Potter." Charlie retorted "You know exactly what I mean!"

Harry was truthfully not on the same page "No, you'll have to spell it out for me. What are you blabbering about?"

"Just how long have you been taking advantage of her?" demanded Charlie.

Ginny, of course, had caught on much faster and was now just behind her brother. Which Harry noticed "Why don't you ask her?"

"I'm not asking her, I'm asking you." He replied.

Ginny snatched the microphone from her brother and demanded "Why don't you?" Although it lost it's effectiveness when she couldn't get it to work. "I don't think my love life is any of your business!"

"I owe… regarding my love life… There's only one person I answer to." Harry added, following her lead. He was deeply embarrassed by such a public accusation about something he considered private, but it had to be addressed. He did so by appealing directly to his girlfriend. She was at the front of the semi-circle of people who had surrounded the dance floor "Sue… do you … wanna ask … me …something?"

She walked over to him and took the microphone. Amelia's regular involvement with the Muggle world meant she knew enough. "No Harry." Her voice echoed about "Our relationship is our business. I won't say a word just to satisfy that prick. I have nothing to ask you. Not here. Not now."

Charlie began with quite a bit of support, especially among Hermione's relatives. But women deserted him in droves. He noticed it and looked down. "Evidently I was wrong. Sorry Ginny."

The DJ pressed a button, starting a ballad, and the incident seemed to have ended. Susan looked dissatisfied, but put her arms around Harry's neck as his circled her waist. Other couples did likewise. Regardless of how you felt about the opponents, or who was right and wrong, everyone was rather relieved there had been no actual violence. One person who was decidedly displeased with the situation had the power to back it up. Amelia Bones locked eyes with Arthur Weasley and they locked themselves in an office they really had no right to use.

x

Twenty minutes later, couples had split off and were dancing with other partners. The bride was currently dancing with a Prewitt cousin. Ron was actually dancing with Padma Patil. Susan's partner was Bill. To Harry's surprise, many young men's annoyance he found himself holding court with several beautiful girls. "And exactly how do you feel about that?" asked the eldest Weasley of his partner.

"Even if I was the jealous type…" Susan replied "I'd point out two things. First, I'm not and second, there's safety in numbers. Five girls are a lot safer than one. Interesting that they include your sister, your fiancee AND her sister."

Bill laughed and simultaneously rolled his eyes at her. "Harry is lucky to have you." He complimented "Many girls, including some of them there, now, would be hurling lightning bolts."

"I meant what I said earlier." Said Susan "I trust Harry. If I don't, then I wouldn't be with him. I love him and he loves me. Even though … he's never said it."

He gave her hand a squeeze and offered "I've only briefly met him. But, I can tell you what I see right now. You've got an adult veela and one just coming into her powers not five feet away. And he's not a babbling idiot. So, either Harry's gay-"

"He likes boobs too much!" Susan laughed, then blushed as she realized just how blunt she'd been.

Bill shrugged unaffectedly "I'll take your word for that. Lack of libido is another reason, but if you're a man truly in love with a woman, then veela powers simply won't get through."

"Well, Harry's libido works fine." She stated with all the certainty of saying water is wet.

They were interupted by Percy "There is a meeting, William. Your Aunt also requests your presence, Miss Bones."

x

While spacious for a private meeting, the office that the Heads of House appropriated was a bit crowded just now. It held Amelia and the Weasley parents behind the desk. Lining the walls were conjured benches on which the Weasley children, Hermione, Harry and Susan sat. They were not especially comfortable.

"Let's get started." Said Amelia once they were all settled "I want to put this matter in context first. In a way, we are a rather large family. Arthur and I have been friends for decades. Susan is a close blood relation. I remember you, Bill, commenting that she is roughly an Aunt. As her Regent, I am in legal terms her Mother. The same can be said of Harry as I am Head of House Potter. Though … I think he would oppose that on the grounds of NOT being Susan's brother."

Still not having an idea what was going on, Harry merely blushed. And, he rather eloquently replied by squeezing his girlfriend's knee. She grinned and rested her hand on his.

"And … Molly has gladly accepted Harry into her home and heart." She added, grinning "Another, and without trying to replace Lily, at least a fill in Mother. And then there's Ginny - a member of House Potter, so in a way, my daughter."

Ginny gave a pleased smile that turned mischevious "Don't go getting ideas Harry!"

"And, had that incident happened in any one of our homes, it could have been dismissed." Amelia's tone turned harsh, and she directed a coldly furious look on Charlie "But you, boy, had to make a great pulic scene."

The second Weasley flinched, then shot back "I'm no boy!"

"That is right. You are a grown man." Amelia retorted, still soft-spoken "A grown man who called a schoolgirl a whore! You have insulted the honor of House Bones and in Susan's name I demand an immediate, public, apology."

Charlie looked briefly stunned. Almost as if someone else was controlling his body, he stood. When his expression cleared, he replied "I might have. If you weren't issuing orders. As it stands forget it! I'm not one of your Aurors."

"Your Mother and I are ashamed of you Charles." Said Arthur "Susan has never done anything to you and you will apologize."

Charlie shook his head stubbornly "No one talks to me the way she just did. Now I want an apology!"

"I have no choice." Amelia sighed, showing clear disappointment "Very well. Lord Weasley, written notice will be forthcoming. You are hereby barred from collecting the upcoming fees from the Bones accounts. Additonally, if honor is not satisfied by thirty days after, you will be served with documents to terminate our business relationship."

Arthur nodded, his mouth a thin red line.

"I offer you a last chance. Apologize. Now. Out there." Amelia said "Or, tomorrow I will want it in full page ads. The Times, The Prophet -"

Harry interruped "-and The Quibbler. What? I like Luna!"

"Fine. I agree." Charlie grumbled sullenly. A moment of calculation told him just how much of his Dragon Handler salary that would take.

Generally, when you've won, it is wise to not push too hard. But Amelia had another agenda "I expect that to include one for your slander against Harry and House Potter as well."

"I am entitled to my opinion!" Charlie snapped, his anger flaring "And if those are your terms, forget it!"

Amelia countered "The Wizengamot cleared him of all charges. Your private opinion is irrelevant. However, your public remark demands a response. And in this, my two Houses are inextricably linked. You will apologize to both. If not, your Father will see the loss of his first two and largest clients within two months. And, to protect our honor, I will have to do it publicly."

"Charles Arthur Weasley!" Molly angrily began "I've more than half a mind to turn you over my knee!"

He shot a look at her then back to Amelia "You can throw technicalities around about Diggory all you want. What's his excuse for what he did to Hermione's Mother?"

"I don't owe you one, Charlie! But here's a present for you!" Harry cut in, and tossed his eye-patch at him.

Charlie let it bounce off his shoulder and fall to the floor. He sneered at Harry "Stop whining Potter. Hermione's right. It doesn't compare to you killing a baby."

"That is enough, I think." Amelia's quiet voice sliced through the room. Addressing Charlie she said "You are adult enough to know actions have consequences. And … as a result of this … within two months from now, my Houses will no longer do business with your Father."

Arthur angrily flicked at his chin then pounded the desk "Frankly, son, the main thing I remember Harry killing is the basilisk that nearly killed your sister. And you need to realize beyond that our current good fortune is due directly to Harry and Amelia. To your other complaint, EARL POTTER has been nothing but noble and honorable in his treatment of Ginevra."

"Too bloody noble if you ask me." Complained Ginny. "Wouldn't have minded if he-"

Molly cut her off with a shrill "GINNY!"

"If you persist in this … I am sorry, Charlie." Said Arthur "But, taking it all into account. And mainly the fact that we simply do not agree with your position. As your Father, and Head of House, I order you to comply."

Charlie had talked himself into a difficult position. "Ron, congratulations." He finally said after several tense seconds. Then he embraced Hermione and kissed her cheek, joked "Good luck with him." He nodded curtly to his parents, said "Mother. Father." And dissaparated.

"I cannot hold his remarks against you." Said Amelia.

Arthur looked downcast "In other words, you mean after I banish him."

x

Most populous didn't necessarily mean most powerful. But it certainly did among Wizardkind. Thus it was that representatives of the three most powerful Auror forces on the planet met. And they were not just your everyday Aurors. This trio were called spies by most of humanity. In fact, so secretive, they did not even know whether any of them were male or female.

"The damned Brits are at it again!" the American 'Joe' who could have been 'Jo' exclaimed "And this one will be worse than '80."

Self-declared 'May' the Chinese representative said "You enjoy saving the world. And they are closer to you than us."

"America is not the world's policeman." Jo complained "It's about time the rest of you started pulling your own weight. We pulled them out of the fryer back in the 40s!"

The Indian, who was referred to as Indira, pointed out "As bad as a bloodbath would be, this stalemate is infintely worse. Trade is stagnating. The Galleon is dropping. If England's economy crashes, it could pull the rest of us in. Not now … but five years from now."

"Are you suggesting we go in there and kill this Voldemort?" asked the American.

'May' shook his? her? head and sighed "You and your 'cowboy' diplomacy. And all the subtlty thereof. If we do that all they will get out of it is the lesson we always will come a running."

"You have agents on the inside. On both sides, Indira." Joe pointed out "Unfortunately, they have a way of sniffing, or rather hearing us out, way too easily."

'May' contemptuously declared "Neither of you have the guts to do what must be done. It is obvious that Dumbledore must die. His beard stroking inaction created this mess."

"The Potter kid is the key to setting it off." The American pointed out.

The Indian countered "Our operatives say he's reluctant to kill. Despite his arguments with the old man, he has assumed many of our Chief Warlock's habits."

"Then we provoke him." May suggested "Teenagers are so easily manipulated. Kill the girl and make it look like this so-called Dark Lord did it. That should take care of the matter."

Jo's head shook in refusal "Too extreme. Besides, there is already a plot to murder the aunt. If both go, the kid will snap."

"I agree." Indira offered "And I am opposed to useless bloodshed. No. But we can provide a little push to the Death Eaters. Access to Bones' office. A leak that she'll be working late some night. And our hands barely need to get dirty."

May considered and nodded "Agreed. However, there are two risks. I still think it might not be enough, so we should plan to kill the girl as well. Also, without Bones, Potter could fall back under Dumbledore's influence."

"One of your operatives should be nearby when he learns of the … unfortunate accident…" offered Joe "The right word or two at just the right moment. And yes, the American treasury will foot the bill … as usual."

The Chinese representative grinned in the cowl of the concealing cloak "The Central Bank will naturally offer favorable interest rates in this regard."

"And since you are so insistent on killing Dumbledore…" said the American "Your Government, May, will take the lead in that operation should it prove desireable.

This time, the cowl hid a look of terror. And the Chinese knew she'd been backed into a corner. The hood merely nodded and the emotionless reply was "As the majority agrees."

x

"I cannot bloody believe Dumbledore!" snarled Harry, as they were walking up the path between the train station and Hogwarts.

His companions commiserated with him. Susan squeezed his arm in silent support. Her best friend commented "Well, I'm sure I speak for about three-fourths of the school when I say good riddance greasy. So, Granger is actually playing hooky all next week, too."

"For just a minute…" Harry sighed regretfully "…it was like nothing had happened. I was teasing Ron that he'd still have to do his homework. Or she wouldn't give him any. Then psycho-bitch walked in and it all vanished."

Only Luna was willing to point out the other side "Did you think Hermione would thank you for spitting in her Mother's face, Harry?"

"Let's stop there!" commanded Susan, when she felt the tension in her boyfriend's shoulder. "Frankly, I think it's a good thing they're off for another week. McGonagall will appreciate a peaceful Gryffindor. They can work out their relationship way off in Australia. Annnnnnnnd that gives us extra snog time Harry. Without cutting into girl time, Hannah. See winners all around."

Harry was equal parts amused and annoyed. Ultimately, he opted for snogging. Which is somewhat awkward to do while walking.

"Rumor has it the Dark Lord is most pleased with you, Potter!" shouted Draco Malfoy.

Susan gave him an anxious look, but Harry held up his hand touching her lips with his fingers "We are both fortunate, Master Malfoy, for I would have offered various comments concerning your companion." He said coolly, referring to Pansy Parkinson "And just what does snake-face have to say now?"

"He … that is…" the blond boy was somewhat nonplussed by the raven-haired one's mannerisms "I'm given to understand he laughed for several minutes at the report of the monster handler getting chased out of the country. I think he said something like you get rid of as many of his enemies as he does."

Harry glared at his laughing nemesis "That's the first original material you've gotten in years, Ferret."

"Watch yourself, Potter." Pansy warned in a nasty voice.

Susan disengaged herself from Harry, saying "This one's mine, dear."

"Oh … nononono!" declared Hannah "You're much too ladylike to handle such as her." crack went the back of her hand across Pansy's cheek. The blond Hufflepuff grinned nastily as she shook her hand "Oh … feel free Pugnose … to make that a House insult. Grandad would be only too glad to fight whoever you choose."

Susan and Harry exchanged pleased/surprised expressions. The red-head hi-fived her friend.

Ginny, running up with several Gryffindors including the Creevey brothers, demanded "What's going on!" her wand was half drawn.

"Oh relax Gin." Harry told her, lightly "Hannah just popped Parkinson."

Ginny looked at the Hufflepuff through narrowed, mistrustful, eyes. But, she could not help offering an approving nod. "Nice job Abbott."

A stunner from Harry struck Greg Goyle, maybe the one from Colin got there before his if not it was close. Dennis fired a most effective tripping jinx and Crabbe hit the ground with a thump.

"Considering we are not yet at school" Headmistress McGonagall apparated in and announced "And that I did not see what started this, no punishments will accrue. Now get to your dormitories."

It was during Ron and Hermione's extra honeymoon week that Arthur, in an open Wizengamot session publicly apologized. Which, Amelia on behalf of both House Potter and House Bones, accepted. The business relationship among the three Families continued without any real disruption. The only change was in Charlie's status, the second son was formally exiled and disinherited. And, by the time of the newlywed couple's return, the Daily Prophet moved on to other 'news' stories.

x

"So? Harry, I understand you chatted with the Minister yesterday." Horace Slughorn opened the meeting of his 'Slug Club'

Putting on a fake smile he nodded "Yes, Professor. Quite a good talk." That was about as true as his smile was.

"Glad to hear it, lad, glad to hear it." The Potion Professor declared "It is important you and Dumbledore stand united."

Harry shrugged "Well, we're not quite there yet. But, with Madam Bones helping, I am learning that there is more to this than I thought." That was a meaningless platitude. But both Dumbledore and Amelia had said Slughorn was easily swayed by such things.

"Yes Amelia." He said as if trying to remember "It is perhaps a misdeed to reveal a lady's age. However I was a young teacher when she came to Hogwarts. Not brilliant in Potions, perhaps, but destined for greatness that one."

Equally instructed, Susan offered "Auntie was always quite fond of you, Professor. Of course, Defense was always her favorite class. Surely you'd have a story or two about her."

"I should be happy to, Miss Bones." Slughorn said with a grin "Although, it would have to be private. You and Harry, perhaps. One cannot embarrass their Head of House. An important rule – for all of you youngsters."

Draco Malfoy spoke up "A hypothetical if I may, Professor. Naturally since Professor Snape's departure you have been a great supporter of us Slytherins. If, hypothetically, a vassal or Family member disagrees with the policies of a Head. Surely that one has a right to speak their mind."

"I would say this to you, young Draco." Replied Slughorn "If you believe in your opinion strongly enough then you should always act in the best tradition of your … my apologies … I would advise such a person as your hypothetical friend to not do anything to publicly embarrass their Family. No matter what, your Family first. If your friend's Family is a Wizengamot member then even if they are not written it has rules how a dissenter should handle their greviance. I would advise they act accordingly."

The blond boy nodded. In the Malfoy Family there were few alternatives. While many magicals had been celebrating Christmas, the Weasley-Granger wedding and generally having a good time, Draco had been given a choice. He could either accept Voldemort's Dark Mark or he could die. For further 'incentive' they'd called it he stood by and watched as his defiant mother was punished for her continued misbehavior. And as further proof of his loyalty he was required to cast the Cruciatus on her. He'd managed a faint, stuttering curse, but it was enough to make Narcissa pass out from the cumulative effect. Just now Draco Malfoy hated himself and almost everyone else on the planet.

"Daddy always tells me to come to him with any questions or problems." Offered Luna Lovegood.

Offending about everyone at the same time, the Slytherin slapped Pansy's hand from his lap and snapped "Hands off slut! And as for you Lovegood! Get what brain you do have on THIS world!"

"Watch your mouth, Malfoy!" exclaimed Ginny.

Slughorn just cut in smoothly "No fighting there, kids. Another round of tea."

They'd felt it would be suspicious for Harry to ask, so Ginny reluctantly agreed "Professor, I've been doing a report on some of the past Head Boys. You know my brother, Percy, was one. But there's almost nothing about one. It was even hard to find his full name. It's Tom… Tom M Riddle."

"Well, I was here then." The Potions Professor couldn't lie about a fact so easily checked "And Tom was a particularly clever student. Among the most brilliant Hogwarts has ever seen. Remarkable mind. Only two Potions students were ever better. It has been a pleasure to teach the son of one. You, Harry, might exceed your Mother if you continue at this rate."

Harry gave a bashful grin and Susan threw an arm over his shoulders.

"Professor, um... Riddle?" Ginny insisted.

To which Slughorn shrugged "Can't tell you much beyond that, Miss Weasley. He worked in a bookstore in Diagon Alley for a couple years. I'm afraid he disappeared after that. When he returned, Tom briefly taught Defense Against the Dark Arts only to be rather suddenly dismissed by Dumbledore. Again, young Riddle vanished. I can honestly say I've never heard of anyone by that name again."

"Thanks, Professor." Said Ginny with a nod "That actually helps a lot."

It did in ways that several people did not suspect. Dumbledore was spoon feeding Harry questions to ask Slughorn in hopes of working out Voldemort's secrets. But meanwhile, Ginny knew more about young Tom Riddle than anyone alive. In fact she knew everything right up to the moment Tom created the Diary Horcrux. She was number one in her year because of those memories. Her difficulty was in sorting through them. But give her something to focus on and she could find what was needed. And yes, Harry had pledged to keep his talks with Dumbledore confidential. But sharing with family was allowed in such an oath, unless specifically mentioned. That automatically included Ginny, and a second useful source Amelia in her role as the Potter Regent. And, indirectly, Susan who certainly had as much reason to hate Voldemort as anyone and a way of thinking of things that helped enormously.

x

"Ron! Hermione!" exclaimed Ginny on seeing the couple. They'd returned after the two final stops. One in France and last night at The Burrow. Hermione was her sister-in-law and the serious problems between her and Harry had nothing to do with Ginny. "And how's my favorite nephew?"

Hermione laughed "You cannot possibly know that."

"You have been at the Burrow when we're all around?" Ginny wasn't really asking. She brushed her fingers along the now distinctly noticeable bulge of Hermione's belly, leaned down and gleefully added "Hi there. It's Auntie Ginny!"

After a few minutes, along came Harry and Susan. "Great to see ya mate!" said Harry, feelingly. He shamelessly embraced his friend.

"Hermione. You're looking well." Susan offered, tone giving no hint of whether she thought that was good.

The newly married woman's familial expression for Ginny turned to one of cold disinterest "As long as you associate with him, Bones, we have nothing to discuss."

"Granger." Said Harry by way of greeting.

And if her opinion of Susan was obvious to all, even the ghostly History professor would have shivered at the look given to her former friend "First you murder a helpless infant, then you disrupt my wedding. You do not … under any circumstances… have permission to speak to me. Clear Potter?"

"Well, that went well." Ron complained "Do we need to go over it again, 'Mione? Dad explained the whole thing last night. I don't really care what you think of Harry. He's my best friend. He's Dad's number one client."

She gave him almost the same look when she wondered if either of the then young boys read. "No Ronald, I heard every word Dad said." As she finished, she shot Harry a superior look.

"They HAVE to call you their daughter." Susan said, correctly interpreting the expression "Molly and Arthur CHOOSE to call Harry their son."

Ron's voice silenced them all without shouting "Enough! Hermione I want our marriage to work. We can both be happy or we can both be miserable. Harry, you're my best friend, but … I'm a dad. My parents taught us that's the biggest job in the world. And a kid … needs a Mum and a Dad. One thing I want to say, Hermione and I want Harry to hear it."

"I don't think you should do that just now, Ron." Said Susan.

That was when he realized they were standing in an entrance to the main staircase. And had drawn a crowd. He glared left, right, and up the neareast flight of stairs. "WELL!" he demanded "MIND YOUR OWN SODDING BUSINESS!"

"While I concur with your sentiment, Mr. Weasley." Said the Headmistress "I must point out you had this conversation in a public area. And that will be five points from Gryffindor for cursing. Winky! Kindly show Mr. and Mrs. Weasley to Gryffindor married couple quarters. You will find a scroll with all applicable rules and regulations on the desk. And welcome back."

x

For the most part, Hogwarts returned to normal. The married Weasleys were the only couple in the school so that was a topic that took a couple weeks to assimilate. Curiosity drove several guests, invited and otherwise, to want a look at the quarters. Mostly they refused. A distinct change in Ron was soon plain. Boys talked, they complained, bragged, lied about their girlfriends. Ron didn't. He could be seen speaking quietly with his best friend. But if someone else approached, they clammed up. What was also obvious was that the day of the wedding was only a cease fire in the Harry-Hermione war, though it was now a cold one. Harry continued his practice of wearing an eye-patch with a G embroidered on it, though sometimes the handsomely made P made an appearance. And Ron, he walked that fine line between the two.

"Morning gorgeous!" a happy Harry hugged Susan around the neck and kissed the top of her head.

She swatted at his arm and laughed "What's got you so happy?"

"Want the whole list or just the top?" he asked cheerily. Then sat on the opposite side from Hannah and continued "Let's see …and …in no particular order it's Saturday and tomorrow's a Hogsmeade day. You're beautiful *kiss* I got the top score on the Potions Mid-term. You're beautiful *kiss*"

She grabbed his face in both hands and deliberately kissed his nose "There! Now go away. Sit with Ron. I promised Hannah some girl time."

"He's alright and all." He complained "I mean yeah the red hair and all is there, but just not the same."

She rolled her eyes and stroked his cheek "It is way too early for snogging. And I'll meet you later just like we said."

"No such thing as too early." He retorted playfully.

A displeased Defense Professor walked by "Mr. Potter, don't you think your time would be better spent studying than harrassing Miss Bones?"

"Sorry, Ma'am." Said Harry. He gave playful glare to Susan and stood "Could kissed for at least 101 seconds." Utterly unaffected by Professor Umbridge's expression, he all but skipped around the Tables to Gryffindor's.

Where the boys were all laughing at him "You got it bad, Potter!" Seamus was slapping his hand on the table.

"Amen to that, Finnegan!" he shot back as he punched the Irish boy's arm. And that was when Ron appeared. Alone. Harry greeted him with what could be a joke "No ball and chain?"

The redhead let the reference to his wife slide with a half-grin "Studying. On a Saturday. And before breakfast. It wasn't bad enough she did it DURING the honeymoon. I'm reading stuff we won't get to til March!"

"Things we men do for a piece." Seamus was shaking his head.

That one, Ron couldn't ignore "Don't see you getting ANY. Wonder why?"

Good-natured banter continued at the Gryffindor Table for quite a while. It didn't mean Harry wasn't occasionally glancing at his girlfriend. But he wasn't when a single owl entered the Great Hall from high above the students. It was nothing special. Brown, not large. That it wore Ministry colors was not particularly unusual. Everyone who worked for the Ministry did it.

Over the rest of the noise, Harry did not even hear her scream. He did take note of the black hand that flicked his plate of food. He turned the direction it pointed and saw Susan's unconscious form being floated away. Naturally, a crowd instantly developed blocking his path. He did not pay much attention to who he pushed out of his way, or climbed over. Harry was all in favor of her getting immediate attention, but did they have to move quite so fast? Finally free to run, he did so. Just as they turned a corner. When he turned that same corner, he fully expected them to be within easy reach. What happened was that he ran smack into a fist. That fist, backed by the 200 pounds of bone and muscle that was Justin Finch-Fletchley knocked him out cold.

Too bad no one ever saw that. But regardless, Harry was out for about an hour. "The bloody hell hit me?" he complained.

"As far as we can tell, a brick wall." Answered Ginny Weasley

Harry groaned as he pulled himself up "Where am I? Where's Sue?"

"I win." Declared Neville Longbottom "Everyone pay up! What? She was the second question!"

Harry slapped his arm as he sat "Right. Gryff Tower."

"And Susan is sleeping soundly in Hospital. She's not hurt or anything." Ron assured him.

Harry eye him warily and demanded "Buuuuuuut?"

"That owl," Ginny offered, reluctantly holding a piece of paper "…well…this is a fake page of The Prophet. It…well…it has tomorrow's date. Umm…"

Impatiently, he snatched it from her and read

February 21 THE DAILY PROPHET

Amelia Susan Bones. Head of House Bones and Director of Magical Law Enforcement. Age 58. This evening was found guilty of treason against our Lord and Master. A Death Eater squad was empowered and immediately dispatched to carry out sentence. Of course, there can be only one sentence for such a heinous crime. DEATH!

It was necessary, so as to set a firm example, to carry out the sentence in the most brutal fashion available. Execution was carried out by werewolf. On behalf of Our Great Lord, we regret the severity of this act. Be it known to one and all: Any and all friends, allies, associates of Undesirable Number One Harry James Potter may - at any time - become the subject of an investigation.

To ensure we have made our point, this reporter has been authorized by The Lord of All Britain to disclose photographs of justice being done. See pages 2,3,4,5 and 6.

By Sirius Black

"Where's the pictures?" demanded Harry. When no one spoke he glared at Ginny. In nearly a year, he'd never once used the power over her that she'd given him. Now he growled it out "Give me those pictures! Now Ginny! That's a direct order!"

It was Neville that reacted the fastest. No matter his relationship with Luna, the youngest Weasley would always have a piece of his heart. He smoothly got in Ron's way and, without bruising anything but ego, dropped Harry back in the bed. "And if you know what's good for you, you'll stay there Harry!" he growled "Gin doesn't have'em. I did. And as soon as I got'em they went up in flames!"

"Who are you? And what have you done with Neville Longbottom?" Ginny wanted to know. She smiled gratefully at him.

Harry held up a hand, to indicate acquiessence and stood, slowly "I lost my head. Everyone … you especially Ginny … I'm sorry. It's just-"

"You knew Susan saw it, and you had to expose yourself to it as well." Neville concluded "Don't be an idiot! They're trying to get you to do something stupid. Like run out there all by yourself looking for revenge."

Ginny, who gave somewhat an appearance of a whipped puppy, addressed Harry in icy tones "Before you so rudely interrupted - I was about to tell you a private House communication arrived … from Amelia … not ten minutes ago. I imagine the owl recognized me as a member. Would you care to read it?"

"Yes please." He replied, softly. When he was done, there were tears in his eyes. He snorted back a sob before speaking "Amelia… she saw something like this – could happen. I'm sorry… everyone please, even you Ron. I need to talk to Ginny. Alone."

Ron glared at him "You pull something like that again-!"

"-With my sister and I'll feed you to Norbert." Harry finished "Yes Ron, Neville taught me not to be a git. Please don't make him do the same to you."

They all laughed, and Ginny rewarded him with a peck on the cheek "I promise I'll call you if Harry gets rude again."

"I really am sorry, Ginny. That was… unforgivable." Harry said, meekly.

She reached out and squeezed his shoulder "That's really a silly turn of phrase." She pointed out "Tell me what's on your mind."

"Amelia's letter. She said she had a lot of plans in case things …went wrong." Harry explained "She mentioned some. She was worried that if something would happened to her … before me or Sue came of age." He pushed his hands through his hair and sighed before continuing "Maybe you should read this before we go on."

She did so, looked at the agonized expression on his face, and asked "Whatever you're about to do is dangerous? Isn't it?"

"No less for you." He answered.

Ginny shrugged and said "Without you, I'd be worse than dead. Whatever it is, yes. But in return, can I ask you something? Promise to give me an honest answer?"