Another week, another chapter! RL interferred this week (jobs suck) so my weekend is spent scrabbling to get next weeks' chapter written - urggghhh, I HATE being so close to the published chapter.
Anyway, thanx to all my readers and special - very apreciative - thanx to everyone that took the time to leave a review!! And now the story continues ~
Chapter Thirty-Six
Hermione paced back and forth between the two men as she tried to get herself calm enough to speak to the man she considered her friend, while Mac stood leaning against his desk watching the man that Harry had called Minister. The man towered even Flack at a possible six foot three, maybe six four, with a bald head and was dressed in a dark blue suit. Mac got a feeling of confidence from the other man that he was able to effectively deal with any problem that came his way. Hermione stopped her pacing to look at Mac, his eyes sending her reassurance that he was there for her if needed and she sent him a grateful smile in response before turning to Kingsley.
"You mentioned something about weddings? Whose?" She asked her one-time friend, not even trying to conceal the anger that still coursed through her.
The dark man looked at Hermione in surprise before looking away again - he wasn't aware of anyone else they knew that was due to be married.
"It was announced that Harry and Ron had proposed to both Ginny and yourself, and you'd accepted. My understanding is that it would be a double wedding." Kingsley began in his usual slow rhythm as he allowed his eyes to roam the office they were in, only to feel her anger flow over him as another wave of magic escaped her. A quick look at her face told him he'd been lied to. He decided to finish telling what he knew of the last few weeks to find out what parts were accurate and what weren't.
"The Weasley's have been saying that you and Harry are staying at the Burrow with requests that you all be left alone. Initially the reason given for this was so the family could deal with their grief at the loss of Fred, and then it was announced in the Daily Prophet that the four of you had decided to marry and wanted the continued privacy to plan the event. Everyone has been celebrating the news as a new start for our world, although there are some that are curious as to why you haven't been answering your mail. I know Neville Longbottom for one has been trying to contact you and whenever I ask about either of you, Molly keeps stating that you still want time to yourselves."
"We haven't received any letters for the last couple of weeks." Hermione informed him, her voice sounding confused. "They've announced that we're getting married in the papers? How? I mean, Harry I get - why allow a little thing like the lack of his consent put eight years of planning to waste - but how do they plan to explain that I'm not marrying Ronald." Hermione was thinking out loud, and Mac realised she was talking about the fact that she was supposed to marry Danny instead.
"Unless," Hermione paused as understanding dawned, making her feel sick to her stomach. "They really think Ronald is the best I could do for a husband. I wonder ... do you think they've written my obituary yet or are they still trying to come up with an explanation for how I died so unexpectedly." Her tone was venomous, catching Kingsley as much by surprise as her actual words, while Mac felt as nauseous as Mia as he too realised that these Weasley's expected her to die under the Blood Contract - they didn't think Danny would marry her.
"Explain your death? Are you dying?" Shacklebolt asked in genuine concern, looking at her properly for the first time since arriving at the lab, and some of Hermione's anger faded as she realised he really didn't know what was going on.
"I'm under a Blood Contract to marry my Bonded by March. Our mother's created the Contract when they were just children and I doubt they ever expected it to be binding on either of us, and my Bonded is a Muggle so he isn't affected by the Contract."
As she said this Mac couldn't stop the protest from leaving him - he knew Danny felt the bond as much as Mia did.
"That's not true." He objected as he stood up properly and took a step towards her, drawing the attention of both witch and wizard.
"Not affected, in that he isn't subject to the consequence of not completing the vow." Hermione corrected as she looked at Mac. Kingsley saw the interaction and assumed the other man to be her future husband.
"Is it possible the Weasley's don't know about the Blood Contract?" Kingsley asked, trying to find a reason for the family's actions as he began studying the Muggle, the two men entering a battle of wills, of sorts.
"No." Hermione answered firmly. "Harry and I were at the Burrow originally, when I first started feeling the effects of the Contract. It was Fleur who suggested a Blood Contract as a possible cause and it was Molly who performed the spell to check for the Bond. Considering the names she and her son then proceeded to call me, it is absolutely impossible for them not to know, or likely for them to forget."
"So Harry intends to delay his wedding until the situation with you is settled then?" Shacklebolt asked, though the question appeared to be directed at Mac as that was where he was looking.
"Harry is not marrying that cow!" Mia told him decisively, her returning venom at the person widely seen as her friend shocking him once more.
The Minister of Magic for England saw the other man's face darken at the question, just as he felt the air crackle once more with Hermione's magic. There was obviously more going on than Kingsley was aware of and he needed to correct that soon. Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were heroes of the war and were widely respected - Kingsley himself was fond of them both - and the Weasley's were widely seen as one of the few Pure Blood families to be on the right side of the war. If there was currently a problem between the two teens and the Weasley's he wanted to help resolve matters. If he could. Though from the look of Hermione as he watched her return to her furious pacing out of the corner of his eye, perhaps the problem was bigger than he thought. This was confirmed when the man spoke.
"Neither Harry nor Hermione will be returning to England just so they can be assaulted again by those people." Mac's voice was quiet but firm as he moved around the pacing Hermione to stand in front of the Minister, looking quite menacing in his determination to prevent the two from being hurt again.
"I can assure you sir, the attack last night will not happen again. And I don't believe we've been introduced."
"Detective Mac Taylor meet Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt. And Mac's not talking about the attack last night. He's talking about the fact that Molly and Ginny tried to dose Harry with Amortentia, and that Ronald had been giving me the potion since Easter - well, except for the month Harry and I were looking for my parents. That makes one dose every day for just under six months. I suspect that my Bond is the only thing that protected me from the full effects. He's too inept at brewing potions to have made it himself, and you can't buy it except at Knockturn Alley which would have been full of Death Eaters. So that leaves the question of who supplied him with the potion." Hermione stated as she stopped her pacing to stand beside Mac.
Mac noticed that Hermione's words had the same effect on Kingsley as they'd had on Don when Harry had told them of the events last week. 'Perhaps this Shacklebolt isn't so bad after all' he thought to himself as he watched the man struggle to reconcile this new knowledge with what he knew of the family.
"This is a serious accusation." Kingsley finally said, his tone indicating that he was not questioning what he'd been told.
"Disappointing to know they're not so different from other Pure Bloods, isn't it? Quite surprising they'd agree to a Mudblood like me being in the family, but then I suppose Ron's not exactly gifted magically - he'd need to marry a powerful witch to prevent him siring a Squib." The sarcasm dripped from every word she spoke.
"You believe he got the potion when you three arrived at Shell Cottage?" Kingsley asked, returning to his Auror role and investigating the crime, looking downwards as if already burdened by the answer.
"When we three arrived? Ronald was there when I woke up, but he'd left Harry and I at the beginning of December. Shell Cottage was the first time either of us had seen him for months. I don't know where he was in the time between, and frankly I don't care."
This information seemed to shock Kingsley as much as the use of the potion, as his head snapped up to actually look her in the eye and seeing the anger and betrayal there he realised the true depth of deceit, whether witting or not, of which members of the Weasley family were capable. His eyes slid away to peer sightlessly in the distance as he contemplated things. Ron was definitely not at school during that time, and the former Auror couldn't imagine the boy going to someone other than family, which meant he was either at the Burrow, where he might have encountered members of the Order, or was already at Shell Cottage with his brother - who hid him. Although, this did explain a couple of events he'd witnessed in the last two weeks.
"Fleur Weasley announced about ten days ago that she and Bill were moving back to Egypt, that Bill was resuming his post there for Gringotts. I think it was just before that announcement that George moved back into the shop, and opened it to customers again. However, I've heard reports that the doors slam shut if one of his family tries to enter. Both instances have been put down to some sort of disagreement or continued hurt over Fred's death - the effects of grief." Kingsley informed Hermione slowly, his eyes coming back to focus on the buildings through the window.
"He's not drinking again is he? George?" Hermione suddenly asked sounding very worried.
"I haven't heard anything about him drinking." The Minister replied, taken aback by the level of her obvious concern and looking to Taylor to see if he knew why.
"Well of course not! No-one bothered to notice he was drinking himself into his brother's grave before, why would they notice now?" Sarcasm yet again mixed with her anger as she remembered the condition of the prankster when she and Harry had found him upon their return from Australia. It took most grown men years to do the amount of damage George had done to his liver since the final battle at the school.
"I will check on him the moment of my return to London." Kingsley vowed to her with a bow, as he tried to decide whether or not to continue with the other reason he was there. He silently hoped her wrath could be avoided as he now had to make alterations to certain plans. "There is to be a Ball on the 20th December to celebrate the defeat of Voldemort and the amount of restorations that have been managed already. The Ball is to begin with an awards ceremony to recognise the actions of individuals during the War and you and Harry are due to receive Orders of Merlin, First Class. I was therefore hoping you would attend."
Mac made to protest again but was stopped by Hermione's hand on his arm as she replied with a firm voice.
"I have no intention of ever being in the same room as that family again. Regardless of which, as you can see, I have other matters here that require my attention at the moment." Hermione replied as she indicated the man beside her. "But I will pass your offer on to Harry. What about Neville, Luna and the others. They are getting awards too, aren't they? You do know that they took on the punishments meant for the younger years don't you? Are you aware of what the punishments were?"
"Harry is not likely to attend without you. And yes, we are aware of the punishments handed out, by the Carrow's in particular, as well as the actions of Mr Longbottom, Miss Lovegood, Miss Weasley and others. They are each being awarded an Order of Merlin Second Class. Ron Weasley was due to receive the same award as both you and Harry, but after your statements today that will be changed, and his placement with the Aurors will be reviewed." Kingsley paused before making his next request. "If I need evidence to present to the Wizengamot regarding what has been said today, would you be willing to provide such?"
Mac wanted to answer himself but knew he couldn't - the choice had to be Mia's, no matter how much he or Danny wanted to see justice done. Hermione considered the question for the second time. The tiny voice of the school-girl she'd once been told her that she didn't want to hurt the people that had been kind to her on occasion, but the woman that had survived torture and war remembered that they hadn't seemed too concerned about hurting her.
"Yes."
Mac was both pleased to note the absence of any doubt in her voice, and sorry to hear the acknowledgement that a friendship she'd held dear was truly over. The look he saw in Shacklebolt's eyes as the other man looked at him reflected the same regret at the betrayals she'd suffered. Knowing how much it had hurt Hermione to say that she would provide the evidence against her former friends, as well as the hurt from not being told that others had been trying to contact both her and Harry, Mac made a quick decision and turned to his desk where he picked up a pen and pad and wrote out their address, tearing the paper from the pad and folding it before handing it to Shacklebolt.
"Give this to George when you go to check on him, and tell him to come to that address at five o'clock this evening, our time, and to bring Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom with him. They can talk to their friends, and learn the truth, then."
Kingsley looked at the folded paper in his hand silently wondering if he should take note of the address himself in case it should be needed later, but decided it would be better not to. Having suffered such betrayal from the Weasley's, the former Auror didn't want to give Hermione or Harry cause to doubt their trust in him by looking at information that had not been given to him specifically - he would wait until one of them gave him the address, whose ever it was, themselves. Hermione missed her fellow Order member's contemplation as she had moved to Mac, her eyes full of gratitude as she thanked him for the gesture with a kiss to his cheek, just catching the side of his mouth when he moved his head towards her. Hermione tried to ignore the electric tingle running across her lips at the brief contact with Mac's own, and was pleased to see a spark within the hazel eyes that suggested he was doing the same, while the constant reassurance she found contained in those orbs helped to ease the hurt she felt at Kingsley's disclosures.
"Kingsley, deal with their deceits by morning, or I'll assume I can." Hermione stated without taking her eyes away from Mac's.
xxxx
Before Shacklebolt was able to answer Hermione's ultimatum the door opened and he saw a man of medium height with short blond hair enter and walk directly up to Hermione and clasp her head in his hands as he searched her eyes.
"What have you been sayin' to her?" The blond asked angrily as he looked back at the large bald man.
"Danny, it's fine." Hermione gently told him as she returned the man's attention to her.
"We can tell you later." Taylor added. "The Minister has things he needs to be doing back in England."
Kingsley recognised the dismissal, and the fact that he wasn't going to be told who the blond was, and made to leave the office, acknowledging Harry in the open doorway with a nod. However, he was stopped when Harry moved into the office, followed by the tall dark haired man that had been standing outside the office while he talked to Hermione and Taylor.
"Who else does that leave now?" Harry asked the Minister, explaining further when he received a blank look instead of a reply. "Which Death Eaters are still around? That are either not known to be dead or not in prison?"
"Actually Harry these three were amongst the last, the only other remaining free after the roundup at the school is Greyback." Kingsley replied, watching Harry closely.
"Fenrir Greyback?" Harry asked as he looked worriedly at Hermione. "Any idea where he might be?"
"Probably gone to hide in the Scandinavian forests again." Hermione answered, believing Harry was asking her.
"We are checking there. But there have been no reports of deaths that would match his kind of attacks." Shacklebolt confirmed, still keeping his eyes on Harry, who was looking even more concerned at his friend.
"Harry?" Hermione prompted.
"That's good." The young man responded, clearly closing the subject and preventing any further discussion - in the present company.
With that said the Minister of Magic gave a respectful bow to all and left the office, again noticing the attentive looks from the other Muggles, and made his way to the stairs. Kingsley couldn't help but notice that he was being escorted to the stairs - he just hoped he wasn't being escorted out of their lives as well. He turned back to address Hermione when he reached the stairs and noticed the number of curious stares directed their way, prompting him to wonder what explanation would be given to the watchers - if any.
"I will contact you if I need that evidence Hermione." He told her gently, receiving a nod of assent.
"Actually, you won't need to." Harry said unexpectedly. "You're talking about Ron, right?"
"Harry?"
It always amazed Harry how his friend could make that one word sound like a dozen different questions, each one of them having their own tone. However, instead of Harry it was Don who replied as he handed over a sheet of paper to Kingsley.
"Detailing full charges against one Ronald Bilius Weasley in the unlawful drugging and attempted rape of Hermione Jean Granger. You can obtain a copy of the evidence from us, you don't need to bother Mia again." The Manhattan Auror informed the English Minister, slightly regretting his words when he heard dual gasps from Mia and Stella - who'd just joined them - at the second charge. The Minister, however, looked laden with the confirmation of dire news.
"I am very sorry, Hermione. It will all be dealt with." He said as he bowed and made his way down the stairs.
xxxx
The Minister of Magic for England was barely out of sight when Stella made her observation.
"Was it me, or could he barely look at Mia?" The taller woman's question was met with confirming nods from Mac and Don.
"It's alright. He knows what I look like." Hermione defended quietly, remembering his as one of the faces she'd woken up to at Shell Cottage as he sat in vigil next to Harry.
"I know what Mac looks like but I still look at him when we talk." Stella argued, but then let the matter drop as she saw the look of understanding Harry gave his friend. Did the words have some other meaning? "Well, that looked like it was an intensive conversation." She changed the subject and followed her curiosity.
"What happened to catching criminals?" Mac asked in jest, trying to lighten the mood a little and giving a chuckle when he received the expected glower from his long-time friend. "Sorry but we have to get going if we're going to finish Mia's shopping and get back to the apartment by five o'clock."
"And while we're doing that you can also explain how you came to steal my blood." Hermione accused Flack.
"In my defence, ya were bleedin' all over me!"
"So you decided to steal some?" She retorted as Danny punched the button to call the lift.
"Detective Flack collected evidence for processing - it's part of his job." Mac informed her gently. Stella, Flack and Harry were standing between them and the rest of the lab allowing him to stand behind her clasping her waist, his head bent to speak intimately into her ear. Danny was standing beside her in front of the lift, his hand clasping hers. "And you've just agreed with Shacklebolt to provide the same evidence against Weasley." Mac reminded her, holding her tighter as she seemed to flinch at the reminder.
"Mione, if you weren't drugged, if this was someone else, you would be demanding that something be done to right this wrong. When the drug's out of your system you'll act like you again. Until then, I made the decision for you." Harry was upset that she still wasn't able to think clearly, and reminded himself once again that she really would lay into him if he ended up in prison for killing Ron - the guy just wasn't worth that kind of lecture!
"She's being drugged?" Stella asked as the lift arrived and they all entered.
"She was, but it's goin' to take a while 'fore it's properly out of her system and she can think clearly again." Don told her.
"Right, cause I don't have enough problems to deal with at the moment!" Hermione angrily exclaimed, and then flinched when she felt the hurt from Danny at the thought that he was one of the problems. "I didn't mean you. I meant the idiots back home." She told him more gently as she tightened her hand in his.
"What have the idiots back home been doing?" Harry asked scornfully.
Hermione gave a deep sigh as she contemplated what to say.
"Molly being herself and causing problems - as only she can." She answered briefly while looking at her best friend with pleading eyes. "If I explain we won't have time to go shopping before we need to be back home, and I really want a wand in my hand that I can trust."
"Why do you need to be back at the apartment by five?" Harry asked curiously.
"Your friends George, Neville and Luna should be arriving then." Mac told him just as the lift door opened and knew instantly he'd made the right decision earlier when he saw the younger man's face light up in anticipation of the reunion.
xxxx