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.

26. More Problems

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

Rated M for language and subject matter.

Previously on Is This All There Is? Chapter 25: Man Down And Gone

Harry looked at Ron then back at Hermione. "You did good. The piece of shite arsehole didn't catch you off guard this time. How did this even happen. Where's Draco?"

Hermione plopped down on the couch. "No Harry he didn't catch me off guard and he never will again. This time instead of trying to break the door down giving me a chance to escape he used stealth. He must have cast some kind of unlocking charm on the front door. This is enough. I won't walk around wondering if Ron Weasley is going to jump out at me. Something has to be done and I mean for good. I'm sorry Arthur, but either you do something about Ron or I will obliviate his arse for all time. One or the other. Draco is out for drinks with Blaise and Theo, Harry. He should be home in a bit."

Harry stepped out to the reception area to send a private, person to person Patronus to Draco, Everything is fine now, but you are needed at home.

After sending the Patronus, Harry thought it was best to get Ron out of there before Draco got home. He used a Hover Charm to move the cabinet from off top of Ron and then to hover him in the air.

Arthur sat down beside Hermione and apologized for all she'd been through. "I've had a long talk with Harry tonight. We keep going through things such as this with Ron and we can't keep making excuses. My son is delusional and isn't dealing well with reality. Normally wizards are immune to that kind of sickness, but Ron seems to have lost his mind as the muggles would say. I will have to fight Molly all the way on this, but if that's what I have to do, that's what will be done. I am going to admit Ron to the long term ward at St Mungos and let them try to get his mind in order. He won't be bothering you again. Of this I am sure."

Arthur stood and he and Harry guided the hovering Ron outside where Arthur apparated his youngest son to St Mungos.

Harry returned to the living room to sit with a still furious Hermione until Draco arrived. Hermione poured them both a double drink so they could better prepare themselves for the imminent arrival of Draco Malfoy.

Is This All There Is? Chapter 26: More Problems

Harry and Hermione didn't have long to wait as Draco apparated into the house less than ten minutes later took one look at Harry's face and asked what was going on. Harry stood up and advised Draco he would let Hermione tell him.

"Tell me what Hermione? What's going on love, and what's wrong with your neck?" Draco sat down beside Hermione and moved her hair aside to get a closer look at her neck and at the same time noticed the clumps of hair scattered all over her jumper.

Harry steeled himself for what was to come.

"Ron was here," answered Hermione. "He and I got into a bit of a tussle because he thought he had the authority to come here to beat and shag his ex-wife. I'm fine Draco. Really. This time he did not catch me with unprepared."

Draco blew up at the mention of Ron's name. "He didn't fucking catch you unprepared? What does that fucking mean when he's not even allowed near you? I will kill him. What the fuck? Has he run away like the bloody coward he is? Where is he now?"

Draco turned to Harry and growled, "There'll be no protecting him this time Potter. Where is the fucking piece of shite? I should have been here. Tell me where he's gone because I want to give the bloody fuck a chance to attack me as he has Hermione. Here's a clue. You might as well call your boys because they are going to have to arrest me this night and it's going to take more than one of them. WHERE HAS THE GINGER FUCK GONE?"

Hermione tried to calm Draco down, but he was in a complete rage as he paced the room. "It's been resolved Draco," said Hermione softly. "Arthur is handling Ron. He is having him admitted to St Mungos long term care ward to get him some help. I know you don't want to hear this right now, but I think I'm beginning to understand what has gone wrong."

"You're right Hermione that's not what I want to hear. I don't give a fat rat's arse about what's wrong in his fucking head because he's not going to have a head when I'm through with him. All I want is a few minutes alone with the bastard to show him what's what and that he has put his hands on a Malfoy and I'm not about to let that pass."

Harry cut in as he heard the reference to Hermione being a Malfoy. He didn't know if Hermione had accepted a proposal from Draco or what, but he knew how Draco felt about his witch.

"I know you think this is your fault for being away from home tonight Draco, but it's not so please sit down and listen to Hermione for a minute. If Ron has been admitted to St Mungos, you won't be able to get close to him anyway. Just listen."

Draco threw his wand across the room and sat down beside Hermione once again. Taking her in his arms he stroked her hair as he murmured in her ear. "I'm acting like I'm the injured person while you sit here with hair pulled from your head and marks on your neck. I apologize for leaving you alone love."

/*/

Hermione who laid against Draco as though trying to melt into him realized she could relax as both Harry and Draco were there with her and she wouldn't have to fight off anyone else this night. Hermione didn't cry, but began to tremble so violently Harry could see it from where he sat and went to pour her a fire whiskey. Draco took the drink from Harry's hand and held the glass as Hermione sipped. Summoning his wand from where it had landed, Draco ran it gently across Hermione's neck to remove the bruising. Now that he knew Hermione was alright and Ron was supposedly being handled, Draco calmed down enough to listen to what Hermione wanted to tell him never taking his arms from around her.

Although willing to let Hermione explain, Draco turned to Harry and told him to double check that Arthur had followed through with his decision to admit his son for treatment because if he hadn't there wasn't a force in the wizarding world which would keep him from confronting Weasley and cursing him within an inch of his life.

"I'll check in a bit," Harry responded. "Right now I'm interested in hearing what Hermione has to say about this because it may be the exact thing Arthur and I talked about earlier this evening."

With her eyes on the floor Hermione explained. "Some of Ron's problem may go back to when Fred died or even before. What I believe drove him mad was having to move from being a boy fighting a war to a full grown wizard who had to make a life for himself and the witch of his choice. I think Ron didn't know how. When he tried, failed and kept failing at things, Molly, Arthur and Ginny were right there taking up for him, protecting him and assuring him he was right and the world was wrong. Instead of making him admit his faults and help fix them they kept taking up for him. I believe some process inside of Ron stopped and left him right where he was when we were in the Forest of Dean. Think about it Harry. Ron deserted us and when he returned there really wasn't any consequence. We could have been killed at any moment yet he thought it alright to leave us. A right thinking wizard wouldn't have done that. A case could be made that Ron wearing Voldemort's horcrux weakened an already weak mind even more."

"We all had to grow up fast love," huffed Draco. "Why should Weasley be any different? If this wasn't coming out of your mouth, I would think it just another excuse to keep Weasley from getting what was coming to him."

"I'm not saying this is for sure continued Hermione, but Ron has been acting the pathetic arse almost from the time I mentioned and instead of recognizing it for what it really is, a type of mental illness, we assumed he was just being an ornery tosser. He's ill."

Harry nodded as he offered his opinion. "Arthur and I spoke about this very same thing and came to nearly the same conclusion. Something is wrong in Ron's head. A grown wizard doesn't do the things Ron's done. In fact, a thirteen year old doesn't do the things he's done and expect to get away with it. We may both be wrong Hermione and Ron is just a fucking idiot, but we won't know that until he has been evaluated by healers."

Well you both can sit here and generalize about what's wrong with the fucking ginger bastard, but if St Mungos doesn't find anything I plan to help his arse grow up at the end of my wand and there'll be no excuses. Hermione has had enough. I've had enough. It is not my goal to land on the wrong side of the Azkaban bars, but measures have to be taken. Weasley hasn't had to answer to anyone for anything at anytime, but he will be answering to me."

Hermione tried to snuggle up to Draco, but he was still in a rant so she grabbed one of his arms and put it around her neck. Her action interrupted Draco's rant as he stopped to kiss the top of her head."

"You smell like perfume Draco. Perhaps it was a good thing Harry had to call you home."

Draco's mouth dropped open and Harry hurriedly stood and made his way to the reception area calling out on his way. "I'm leaving. I'll let you both know what's going on with Ron. Goodnight."

Hermione had found a way to make Draco laugh. "That's one way to get rid of Potter," laughed Draco. "I bet he'll turn off his mobile in case I call him asking for help."

Draco suddenly turned serious. "I apologize for leaving you alone while I was off visiting with school chums. I'm not a single wizard anymore and I should have put you before a night of drinking. From now on, where I go you go. You belong beside me and outside of business that's the way it will be."

Hermione sighed. "Even though I had to fight Ron off I'm glad you weren't here because I'm sure there would have been an entirely different outcome had it been you who came across a naked Ronald Weasley in our living room. We can thank Felicia. She saved me you know."

Draco turned to look Hermione in the face. "How so? I thought you stopped Weasley with your wand."

"True, but Ron had me in a tight hold and I was fighting to get loose," explained Hermione. "During the struggle I pushed Ron against Felicia's cabinet where he was hit in the back with some piece of magic that landed him crumpled on the floor with the cabinet on top of him. Once Ron was down, I did hex him to keep him down, but I wouldn't have been able to do that if Felicia hadn't taken measures. Felicia went mad on him."

Draco turned to the cabinet where a placid looking Felicia sat staring straight ahead. "Did she really? Have you checked her for glass? I think we may need to get her a new cabinet as that one must be unstable due to the number of times it's been broken and repaired. Our girl deserves a proper cabinet."

Hermione went to check Felicia and found small bits of glass which she removed with a wave of her wand. "I'll see to a new cabinet the first thing Monday. Right now I'm going to resume my tub soak. Your evening out was interrupted so why not put some music on the disc player and relax."

"Come here for a minute."

Hermione walked over to Draco who drew her into a very passionate kiss. "I let you down tonight, but it won't happen again. You have my word on that. Now go have your soak. I'll be out here with our special girl."

Hermione replaced the cold tub water with steamy hot water and sighed with pleasure as she slid into the tub.

/*/

Out in the living room, Draco had an idea. He would have to leave Hermione alone, but it would only be for a few minutes. Draco stepped through the floo into Malfoy Manor and headed directly to the unused study on the west side of the house. The unused room held a cabinet which would house Felicia perfectly. Draco ran his wand over the cabinet to ensure it wasn't covered by any old, dark spells placed on it to deter intruders. Finding none Draco shrunk the cabinet down enough so he could carry it through the floo and left a note on his father's desk explaining he had taken the cabinet. Then he took the cabinet back through the floo and placed it carefully on the table until he could move Felicia and her things.

Hermione was still enjoying her soak when Draco finished moving Felicia into her new home so after sending the first cabinet back downstairs to its old position he picked up Hermione's book, Not Just A Doll and began to thumb through the pages. It was a pretty interesting book and Draco came across several bits of information he knew would interest Hermione and marked those pages. He had just finished chapter three when Hermione came padding into the room and sat down beside him.

"I feel like a prune and look like one as well. What are you up to?'

"I've found some interesting facts in your book and want you to see them," answered Draco. "I also took the liberty of getting our girl a brand new cabinet. I can't vouch that it won't break over the back of Weasley if he bumps up against it, but I can say it is sturdy and a beautiful addition to the living room as well."

Hermione got up to have a closer look at the cabinet and was very pleased with her new piece of furniture. So pleased in fact, she glided back over to Draco lifting her nightdress as she went.

"I'm thinking that my witch is trying to entice me into performing sexual acts on her by the way she is lifting her already short night dress thereby giving me glimpses of her perfectly formed pussy," cheeked Draco.

Laughing, Hermione fell into Draco's lap making sure that her night dress was pulled up and her nude bottom was what rubbed against Draco's lap. Draco took the hint as he laid Hermione back against the arm rest, moved her legs so that one was on each side of his head and twisted his body to reach her with his mouth. Then he did things to her perfectly formed pussy with his mouth that had Hermione screaming his name out in pleasure.

After Draco brought Hermione to climax twice he admonished her. "We must stop having sex in the living room. It is too much for a young doll's eyes."

Hermione who was as limp as a muggle dishrag could only murmur her assent.

/*/

Harry had other things on his mind so Hermione's statement about Draco smelling like perfume hadn't struck him as the joke it was meant to be. He had to talk to Ginny about Ron and wasn't looking forward to being the one who had to explain the circumstances.

The first person Harry met as he landed in the hall of Grimmauld Place was Amanda who was happy to tell him she had been hired back to her former position. Harry congratulated her and tried to keep going, but Amanda had more information to share. She revealed that on the basis of returning to work she had been able to lease a one bedroom flat and would be leaving on Sunday. Harry began to feel like a cad for the way he had treated her and listened as she thanked him for advising her to go back to work and then went on to apologize for dragging him into the mess she had created by getting pregnant and not really knowing which of two wizards was the baby's father.

Harry told her he thought she was doing the right thing for herself and the baby and if she needed references in the future, she could contact him. Then he wished her good luck and excused himself to go speak with Ginny.

Harry was happy for Amanda. It would be hard for her being an unmarried witch on her own with a baby to support, but if the baby was proven to be Ron's child he vowed to help her get assistance from the Weasley's.

Any happy thoughts evaporated as soon as Harry entered the study to find Ginny sitting morosely in one of the chairs. She didn't move out of the chair, but remarked in a low, deadly voice. "So you think my brother is mad and should be locked up in St Mungos do you? Well you've done it. You've gotten rid of that nuisance Ron Weasley. You had to go to great lengths, but you've done it. You must be so pleased with yourself."

Harry walked over to Ginny and took her in his arms to try and calm her down, but even though Ginny didn't try to fight him she remained as stiff as a board in his arms. Harry held his wife until it was just too awkward to hold her anymore finally sitting down in a chair while Ginny remained standing in the same spot.

"Do you want to talk about it Gin?" asked Harry.

"No Harry. I don't want to talk about it. My father sent me an owl from St Mungos so I know all I need to know. Mum will be home on Monday. I really don't blame you Harry. I don't. I imagine you thought you were doing the right thing by sneaking over to the Burrow and putting ideas in my dad's head, but I'm sure it will all be straightened out when mum gets home."

"Ginny. Your brother has a problem that needs to be worked out. Let the healers help him instead of hoping your mum will get him out on Monday."

"It's over and done for right now Harry. I really don't want to discuss it anymore because I have other matters on my mind. While you were out there busily helping my brother, Gwenog Jones owled inviting me to accompany the team to their away games next week so I can report first hand, and I've agreed to go. I'll be careful, but I'm going."

"I'd rather you didn't go Ginny," answered Harry. "Please think about this."

In the same deadly tone she'd been using throughout the conversation Ginny explained further. "I've thought about it Harry and as I said, I want to go. Gwenog has made a request of me and has a portkey set for me for tomorrow afternoon. I'll be gone until the following Saturday. It will be great because you'll have your house all to yourself. Now. If you'll excuse me, I have some things I need to finish before I leave."

Harry sat stationary in the chair and remained there until the wee hours of the morning. When he finally ventured into their bedroom, Ginny was fast asleep. As Harry sat there gazing at his sleeping wife he noticed the edge of a letter sticking out from under the pillow. He briefly wondered why it was under the pillow, but chose to ignore it knowing the last thing he wanted was for Ginny to wake up and find him reading her personal letter from Gwenog Jones. Feeling outmaneuvered once again, Harry removed his clothes and laid down beside his wife.

/**/

Sunday morning wasn't any better than Saturday night in Harry's house. Amanda came through about 10:30 to say goodbye to him and Ginny. Harry once again wished her good luck while Ginny murmured something indistinguishable which sounded like rats deserting the ship.

Amanda didn't offer any reply as she headed out the front door knowing this was the last time she would take insults or bull shite from anyone.

Wanting to have a conversation with his wife, Harry made a request. "Ginny please sit down with me and have some breakfast."

Ginny sat down at the table and gazed at her husband without saying a word.

"You know I'd rather you didn't go to Wales. I thought it had been sussed out that you could do all your reporting from home. Why the sudden change? I want you home with me Ginny. Not in Wales."

"Don't fight me on this Harry. It's a nice chance for me to get away for a bit. It's only a week and as I told you, I'll be careful."

"Shite Ginny. Being careful isn't everything. You're my wife and you should be here with me not away with some Quidditch team. Owl Gwenog and make an excuse. Tell her you've changed your mind. Tell her anything you like, but decline her offer."

"I'm going Harry and my portkey leaves in twenty minutes. This is my chance to see something. Give me a chance to experience a bit of what I've missed. I'll see you when I get back."

Harry thought about physically restraining his wife, but knew that would cause a whole new set of problems. So when all was said and done, he kissed Ginny and told her to be safe and hoped this trip would get Quidditch out of her system for good.

Ginny gave a half hearted smile and told Harry she would owl him.

After Ginny left to catch her portkey Harry sat alone in the kitchen thinking it seems I love my wife way more than she loves me, but things should get back right after the baby is born and we are able to settle down into a normal life. But deep down, Harry knew the baby might not be the stabilizing element he hoped. More than likely the baby would just be another tool for Ginny to use to get her way. Harry knew he should be angrier, but he was more hurt than angry and a wizard didn't shout about hurt feelings he just sucked it up. With a heavy heart, Harry went to shower so he could get over to the Burrow to find out how things had gone with Ron.

/*/

As soon as Harry walked through the door at the Burrow he could tell Arthur had been raked over the coals most likely by Molly. He clapped Arthur on the back and set about making them both a cup of tea. Arthur sat quietly as they sipped the tea before finally telling Harry what had transpired at St Mungos.

"When we first arrived, Ron was taken to a private area to be looked at which ended when the healers suggested he be admitted for further evaluation. Ron hadn't done himself any good by the answers he supplied to the healer's questions and the threats he made against Hermione and Amanda. In the end, the healers told me Ron has an unknown problem which they would diagnose after the evaluations. For the safety of others, the healers decided he shouldn't have visitors for two weeks while they sorted him out nor would he be able to leave St Mungos without a signed release from at least two healers. Ron became violent and had to be given a calming potion to make him manageable when he realized he was being assigned to the Janus Thickey ward. The Thickey ward was the only place they could put him as there isn't a ward specifically designated for wizards who have mental disorders. Wizards have always believed that mental illness is something that only happens to muggles.

It sounded trite even to his own ears, but Harry gave the best he could offer. "It's what's best for Ron. He needs to get himself sorted because the way he was going someone was bound to hurt him."

Giving Harry a wan smile Arthur remarked to Harry. "Tell that to Molly. She knows Ron has problems, but will duel to the death to protect her son. She'll be here tomorrow and I'm not looking forward to it. The only thing I can do is try to make her see reason and keep her away from St Mungos. Bill, George and Angelina will be here tomorrow around 5:30 to help me talk to Molly and I'm hoping you'll attend as well. I'm glad Ginny will be in Wales because the witches in this family cannot see reason when it comes to Ron."

"I'll try to be here Arthur, but you know as well as I do, I'm one of the last people Molly will listen to. I can't get my own wife to listen to me. Why would the witch who raised her be any different? Speaking of Ginny, I don't want to heap anymore problems on your shoulders Arthur, but she and I have been at odds quite a bit lately mostly about Ron. It may come down to me calling on you for help with your daughter. I love Ginny and if I can manage to straighten it out alone, I will. But if all else fails I may need your support to get my marriage back right. I know I've asked Molly to keep out of our affairs, but this is much more important than blackberry cobbler and holding Ginny's hand. I'll need male support."

Arthur shook his head and replied to Harry. "I love you like a son Harry, but I can only fight so many battles at once. I'm sorry. I would prefer to stay out of your marriage. I hope you can understand. I feel like a lie down right now because I'm going to need all my strength to face Molly in a couple of hours. Goodnight,"

"I understand Arthur. Ginny and I will get things sorted. I'll see you later. Sleep well."

Harry walked outside and apparated home to the very empty Grimmauld Place.

Sitting in his den, Harry didn't feel like doing anything or talking to anyone, but he had told Draco he would let them know what was going on with Ron. It would have been so easy to floo over to Hermione's house to tell them in person, but they had closed that portion of the floo for now so he used his mobile.

/*/

The rest of Saturday night had passed quietly for Hermione and Draco as they ate a bit, listened to some music and generally enjoyed each other's company. With her head in Draco's lap Hermione went over the portions of the book Draco had marked off and found them to be very interesting. She then brought several points to Draco's attention which made him laugh as he had been the one to mark off sections for her.

Hermione huffed back at Draco, "I'm on chapter six you git. You only marked off through chapter three. Now be still and listen and she began to read:

In the magical world there are some things which can only be initiated by love and that love must be true, pure love. The first step is recognition. All it takes is for the wizard to recognize his feelings and as long as that love is true the conduit (doll) will make herself known to the other partner. When that happens, the object of the wizard's affections will be inexplicably drawn to the conduit (doll) and purchase it for her own. There isn't any rule regarding this phenomenon except the rule of true love. The intended couple may not be together. They may even be in other relationships, but once a connection is established between the two they are destined to be together and the conduit (doll) is there to insure the relationship grows and strengthens. The amazing part is that if the witch is recognized by the conduit (doll), it will find its way to her no matter what.

There are rumors and postulations that the conduit is really host to a powerful bit of magic which has embedded itself in the doll waiting for the right couple. There are also rumors that this magic will protect each partner from harm if the need arises. This author has not been able to authenticate the rumor that there is a working spell which will show the magic in its truest form because couples are unwilling or unable to share their experiences with the magical world at large. However, the spell is reputed to be Homorphus. If you are one of those lucky couples who has found a conduit and the spell works out, do not hesitate to contact this author. I'll listen. The only downside is purported to be, if the charm is called and some magical being makes an appearance, the job is done and the magical being must then move on to the next couple leaving the conduit as nothing more than a regular doll. In my estimation, the reason the magical world is not more aware of this phenomenon is when the Homorphus charm is called into effect, there may be some kind of lip sealing charm attached so the couple cannot discuss the matter or the magic involved. However, the last bit is purely speculation on the part of this author.

"I didn't need any help recognizing you are the witch for me," remarked Draco. "I knew it by the second week of class."

Hermione put her arms around Draco's neck and pulled him down for a kiss. "Really? During the second week of class I thought you were a traitorous dirt bag, but I think we've found our explanation. Felicia recognized me way before I recognized you."

Hermione and Draco spent some more time going through the book, but nothing caught their attention as much as chapter six and because they didn't want to chance losing Felicia neither wanted to even think about casting the Homorphus charm. At 2:30 Sunday morning after a lot of reading and conversing, Draco and Hermione stumbled into bed and didn't wake up until about the same time Amanda was saying goodbye to Harry and Ginny and Ginny was preparing to catch her portkey.

/*/

On Sunday, Draco kept a close eye on Hermione and wasn't far from her no matter where she went. Hermione knew Draco meant well, but had to finally suggest he get out of the house for a bit. Draco smirked as he told her he wasn't leaving her alone at which time Hermione sat her wizard down and read him the riot act. By the time the conversation was over Draco agreed he didn't have to stay under her arse twenty four hours a day and decided to visit Theo.

With Draco gone, Hermione continued to read Not Just A Doll, but just like the previous night nothing captured her attention more than chapter six. Hermione kept glancing at Felicia as she continued to read and it seemed as though Felicia kept glancing back at her. Before getting up to start dinner Hermione quipped to Felicia, "What we have here is a mutual admiration society. You love me and Draco and we definitely love you," and as Hermione went through to the kitchen Felicia smiled.

/*/

Theo was surprised when his mate showed up because of the way he had left him and Blaise the previous evening. However after hearing Draco's explanation, Theo too admitted he would easily curse Ron Weasley and be happy to do it. Draco called Hermione at least three times while he was at Theo's flat and on the fourth call Hermione told him to bring his arse home because he was being a git.

Grinning at what Hermione had just said, Draco told Theo he was going back home to make sure Hermione was alright.

"She has to be alright" declared Theo. "You've talked to her at least five times in the space of two hours mate."

"Maybe I have, but it's my job to keep her safe and that's what I intend to do." The two wizards shook hands and Draco apparated home.

Hermione heard Draco as he landed and called out that dinner was ready and waiting. Draco ignored Hermione's pronouncement of dinner and told her he didn't want dinner. He wanted her and had grabbed her up and carried her to the bedroom. Draco pushed Hermione's short dress up above her breasts as he told her he had missed her and Hermione grabbed him about the neck and taunted him to show her….which he did. He was out of his clothes and inside Hermione in two quick moves. It was obvious she had missed him as well as she wrapped her legs around him and came to orgasm before he had pushed five times. Draco grinned down at Hermione telling her she had left him behind, but he would soon catch up as he moved to catch his own orgasm which he had done in two more quick thrusts.

After sex, Draco had lain beside Hermione whispering and telling her how much he loved her and while they were still recovering one of the mobiles rang.

Hermione lifted her head three inches off the bed to say, "That's your phone," and immediately dropped her head back down on the pillow.

Draco laughed at his witch and got up to answer his phone. It was Harry calling to update them on the Ron situation. Draco listened for five minutes without speaking before thanking Harry and hanging up.

Back in the bedroom, Draco told Hermione it had been Harry on the phone and proceeded to tell her everything Harry had told him. Ron was safely tucked away, but Molly was due back in London on Monday to sort everything out and it's Harry's opinion she's going to try to get Ron out of St Mungos.

"In addition to all the Ron bull shite, I think there's something going on with the she weasel. Harry mentioned she has gone to Wales to visit Gwenog Jones. I think your friend is losing control of his family, but never tell him I said that. I'm sorry love, but I've never liked his wife and I don't think I ever will. Harry and I have had our differences, but he is a good bloke and doesn't deserve a piece of shite for a wife."

"I agree. But just like you and I, Harry couldn't help with whom he fell in love."

"That's true Hermione, but is it really love or did he just do what was expected because she was his first witch? I mean really. Look what happened when you and Weasley did what was expected."

"That's for them to sort out." answered Hermione. "Let's just go have some dinner and worry about ourselves."

/**/

Monday was a slow day at the Law School, but Hermione found plenty to keep her busy starting with telling David she would not be in on Wednesday as she had been called to a meeting with Kingsley. David knew there was a lot going on within the Ministry and was very interested in what the meeting was about. He tried to pry information from Hermione, but she wouldn't give anything away and after a series of questions she told David that Kingsley would probably owl him if he wanted to meet with him.

"There's no need to get huffy Hermione," snipped David. "I was just wondering if I could be of help to the Minister. It's no secret that my ambition is to someday secure a position on the Minister's staff."

"I apologize if you think I was being huffy David. I just think you are asking me questions which should be directed to Kingsley. If you'll excuse me, there is a class I would like to monitor," and she walked away leaving David standing in the corridor.

/*/

Monday was a little more hectic for Draco as CW Bates had been called away unexpectedly and Draco had to actually cover for him in the courtroom. Elias and Olivia had the case files to Draco on time and assisted him in putting everything together, but it was a slightly nervous Draco who headed toward courtroom ten. As soon as the courtroom doors closed behind him, it was a Malfoy who walked over to the CW's place in complete confidence and seated himself. It was a long, complex day, but Draco performed admirably and had received several compliments from the solicitors in attendance as well a member of the Wizengamot itself.

Because he was a court officer for the day, Draco had only taken a short midmorning break and at 3:00 pm found himself sitting at his desk starving. He ignored the growling of his stomach as he filled out disposition sheets for each case which had gone in front of the Wizengamot that day. Around 3:45, Elias stopped down bringing a sandwich telling Draco it was something to tide him over until he got home. Once again Draco marveled at Elias' perceptiveness and they spent a few minutes discussing the upcoming meeting with Kingsley and the investors. During their chat Elias made the suggestion that the team go over everything and commit it to memory before the meeting. Draco agreed and set Tuesday at 7:00 pm as a tentative time until he could talk to Hermione to confirm.

Tuesday evening was agreeable to Elias who told Draco he would see him then unless something changed. On the way out Elias nodded at Harry who was coming down the hall.

Draco glanced at Harry, greeted him and quickly glanced away because Harry looked as though he was having an extremely bad day. Draco leaned back in his chair keeping his eyes on the parchment before him waiting for Harry to say something, and after several minutes of silence Harry told Draco he was there to fill him in on what happened when Molly arrived back in London that morning.

"After raising the proverbial roof with Arthur she tried to get in to see Ron and had gone mad when they told her he wasn't allowed visitors for the next two weeks. When Molly got back to the Burrow she'd gone straight to her bedroom without a word to anyone. Arthur has set a family meeting for 5:30 today and wants me to attend. I first thought I would skip the meeting, but I really should be there as I was the person who brought this entire thing up to Arthur. I don't look forward to it, but I believe Arthur will need all the support he can get."

"Why don't you stop by the house tonight for dinner?" asked Draco. "It seems as though you could use some cheering up."

"Thanks for the offer, but I've already told Ernie I'd meet him at the Leaky for a drink after the meeting. How's Hermione? She really went mad on Ron. I was proud of her."

Draco laughed. "You know better than anyone. She's tiny, but she's tough and she most certainly kicked his arse which doesn't take me off the hook for not being there, but it makes me feel better that she was prepared."

Harry smiled at Draco and hesitated before asking. "Were you that much of an idiot to come home smelling like a witch's perfume or was that some sly trick to get rid of me?"

"It was a sly trick to get rid of you mate. Hermione needed for me….she needed a bit of calming down."

Harry raised his hand. "Stop. I get the picture. I'll see you later. It's time for me to be on my way to the Burrow so Molly can hand me my arse on a platter."

Draco called out to Harry as he walked away. "If anything gets too far out of hand, call Hermione. I'm sure she'd love to hex another Weasley."

Harry didn't answer, but threw up his arm to acknowledge he'd heard Draco's taunt.