Author's Note: Three days! Agh! Thank you all for your input. I was very happy to see that we all seem to be on the same page and that yes there are a lot of great things that I can explore with this story still. No, things will not resolve over night and I am not going to tie everything up prettily and quickly but maybe I can still pick up the pace a little bit. I am still totally thrilled that I have gotten this story to this point, over 100,000 words and not to mention over 200 comments. I couldn't be happier.

Chapter 42

Rose and Lily made their way down to the Great Hall after the older girl pulled herself together a bit. James looked up from the Gryffindor table and was puzzled that the two girls were in each other's company and seemed to be relatively happy. He was about to approach them when Rose left his sister's side and made her way to the Ravenclaw table.

"Hey Lily, what was all that about?" James asked the red head.

"Rose and I were talking up in the common room is all and decided to walk down here together. What can I not talk to her now either?" Lily remarked impatiently.

"What? Of course you can talk to her, I just didn't think she would be so keen to talk to you after you punched her in the face."

"Well obviously that is not the case. We worked things out. And I think that she and Hugo are going to try and talk to Aunt Hermione and Uncle Ron. So maybe it is time we talked to our parents too."

Albus looked up from a few seats down at his brother anxious for what his response would be. As much as James still wasn't ready he did realize it was somewhat unfair of him to continue preventing his siblings from contacting their parents. He pulled a crumpled up piece of paper out of his robes and looked back and forth between his brother and sister.

"Fine, I guess that is alright," James stated. Albus immediately shifted down from his spot at the table so he could be closer to James and Lily. "Actually, this came this morning from Mum and Dad. It was addressed to all of us."

"It was from the both of them? So like, they were together when they wrote it?" Albus chimed in.

"Yeah, I guess. I mean Mum obviously wrote it but Dad signed it too."

"Well that's good right? Obviously they can stand to be in a room together, that's a start. Maybe things aren't as bad as the papers are making it seem. Maybe they will stay together!" Albus was clearly excited. He hadn't said much about anything to anyone over the last few weeks but he was still clinging to the idea that this whole thing was just one big misunderstanding that the media had blown way out of proportion.

James looked skeptically over to Lily who had a look on her face like she knew more than she was letting on.

"I don't know Albus, maybe we should just talk to them first. The letter says they'd be willing to come to the school or they could try to get us home for the weekend. I don't know about you two but I think I'd feel more comfortable staying here, just in case we don't like what they have to say," the eldest Potter said. He certainly didn't want to be trapped at home with two people he wasn't overly fond of at the moment. But for his siblings sake he was at least willing to talk to them.

"What, you're crazy. Things will be fine! And we'll get some time off from school. Mum and Dad are going to explain everything to us, I vote for going home. What about you Lil?"

Lily didn't want to dash her brother's hopes but she knew that her parents' staying together was definitely not going to happen. She looked over to James and could tell he knew she was hiding something from them. "I don't know Albie. I think we should stay here too."

Albus didn't understand. Lily had been on "Team Let's Talk to Our Parents" from day one. Why wouldn't she want to go home and see them? "Lily, I thought you were all for working this all out, what changed? Did Rose say something because I'll-"

"No, Al. Rose didn't say anything to change my mind. And of course I want to talk to them and work all this out. I just- I just don't think- Well maybe you shouldn't- just keep in-"

"Spit it out Lil! What? You don't think that Mum and Dad are going to stay together?" Albus was getting impatient.

"Hey, calm down Al!" James stopped his brother. Yeah, Lily definitely had some inside information but they could talk about that later. He hated the thought of his brother being let down but he knew it had been inevitable from the beginning. That was how he justified all his behavior to this point, he was looking out for them. All of them. "It is two against one, so we will ask them to come here. When should we do it? Have them come this weekend? I know it is a Hogsmeade weekend but I wasn't planning on going anyway." As much as he didn't want to see them, he wanted to get this over with. Also, with it being a Hogsmeade weekend he knew a lot of the kids would be out of the castle making it easier for them to avoid everyone trying to get in their business. And even though he didn't want to see Albus and Lily get hurt, he wanted them to see that he was right in protecting them all along.

"Fine, we'll have them come here. And yeah, I vote for this weekend." Albus accepted defeat. He was looking forward to a little break from school but oh well. At least he'd get to see his parents whom he missed very much. Not that he'd ever admit that to his big brother.

"Yeah, that works for me," Lily nodded in agreement. Maybe she should talk to Albus beforehand, so he could be more mentally prepared.

"Okay then, it is settled. Well, since it is already Thursday I say we write them now so they can get things worked out with McGonagall." James pulled some parchment and a quill out of his bag and started writing, "do you think I should write two separate letters? One for Mum and one for Dad?"

Lily was trying to nod subtly so Albus wouldn't see and James picked up on it. "Don't be ridiculous James! Of course they are together! They wrote that last letter right? I say just send one."

Poor Albus. "Okay, one it is." James thought he could always make a copy using the geminio spell when he was up in the owlry sending it. Part of him too wanted to hope that maybe Albus was right but deep down he knew better.

Rose slid into the seat next to her brother drawing some weird looks from his housemates. He hadn't seen her coming so he jumped slightly when she bumped his shoulder with her own.

"Hey there little bro, you're not scared of me are you?" Rose was trying to keep it light, she wanted this to go smoothly. And she wanted to try to keep her temper in check so maybe joking around a bit would keep her in a better mood,

"No, of course not Rose. You just startled me is all. Um, what's up?" Hugo was a little nervous. Rose hadn't really talked to him recently. In fact the last contact they had was when a few days ago he tried to comfort her after Lily punched her but she just pushed him away.

"I just wanted to talk to my favorite brother, is that a crime?" Rose was sounding a bit too smarmy for Hugo's liking.

"Seriously Rose, what is going on? You haven't spoken to me in a very long time and now you are acting weird. Just tell me what's up."

"Ugh, fine," Rose took a deep breath. "I know you've been writing to Mum and Dad."

Hugo froze. He was expecting the world to collapse around him. He didn't want Rose to find this out, he knew she would be pissed. But wait. He was still alive. Rose was just sitting there, calmly, totally out of character.

"Yes. I am. Aren't you angry with me?"

Rose looked away for a moment ashamed; her brother legitimately seemed scared of her. She hadn't realized how much of a bitch she really had been lately. "No I am not mad."

"Really? You are not mad? At all? Because you practically wrestled me to the ground a few weeks ago when you saw me with a letter and that wasn't even to Mum or Dad." It was true. Hugo had written to the Ministry of Magic inquiring about youth summer programs for gifted witches and wizards because he felt like an academic challenge when school was done. Rose had seen him on his way to the owlry and jumped him, ripping the letter from his hands.

"No. I mean, yes. I was mad when Lily told me about twenty minutes ago but I got over it. It is fine. I was wrong to keep you from writing to them. It was never my place."

Whoa, did Rose just say she was wrong? She never, ever said that. Especially to Hugo. "How did those words taste coming out of your mouth sis?"

Rose gave her brother a playful slug on the arm, "ha ha. Yes I know. I never admit to being wrong. But, hey, I guess I realize what a complete and utter jerk I have been to you and to everyone since all this happened so I am going to try and make up for it."

"Is this because you don't want to get any more detentions? Or expelled? Or are you really being serious?"

"Yes. I am being serious. Now, do you want to talk about Mum and Dad or what?" Rose was having a hard enough time as it was, she didn't need Hugo to be second-guessing her now. Or else she might change her mind and suddenly revert back to being less than forgiving.

"Well, yeah, I do want to talk about them. I want to talk to them actually. Mum writes me back but Dad won't. Do you think they would talk to us together?"

Rose wasn't sure it would be a good idea to have her parents in the same room but then again that way she could yell at both of them at once, save her voice. "I don't know. Maybe. We could write to them and find out. Maybe they'll even meet up with us in Hogsmeade this weekend. I know you don't have privileges yet being a first year and I'm technically banned but maybe Professor McGonagall would understand the circumstances and give us a break. I know I am not her favorite person at the moment but I was going to try to talk to her about something else anyway. I could ask."

Hugo smiled at his older sister. She really was a great sister to have for the most part despite her crazy temper, she had just been harder to deal with than usual since the whole affair fiasco happened.

"Well you go talk to Professor McGonagall and let me know so I can write them."

"Okay, I will talk to her before lunch and let you know then." Rose got up to head to class but turned back toward her brother, "and I really am sorry for how I have been acting lately. I know none of this is your fault and I shouldn't have taken my frustration out on you. So yeah, I am sorry."

"No problem sis. I know what a pain in the ass you are so it is okay," Hugo responded with a smirk. He wasn't in the habit of swearing so he knew it would make Rose laugh that he said 'ass.'

Rose chuckled, "thanks Hugo. See you at lunch!"

After her morning classes Rose made her way to the Headmistress's office somewhat uneasily. Professor McGonagall certainly was not happy with her behavior as of late and she wasn't sure how she would receive her asking for not only one but two favors. Having only been there a few days before she knew the password and muttered it to the gargoyle.

"Montrose Magpies," Rose still thought it was funny that Professor McGonagall was such a die-hard quidditch fan.

"Do you have an appointment?" The gargoyle asked somewhat tersely.

"Well no, I- I don't have one but I thought that maybe she would see me." Rose hadn't even thought about something like making an appointment.

"Well then I am afraid I cannot let you up," the stone figure stated matter-of-factly.

"But, you don't understand. It is important. Plus I know the password! You have to let me up!" Rose was desperate and begging.

"Do you honestly think that someone as intelligent as Professor McGonagall would keep the same password after telling it to a trouble maker like you?"

Ouch. Why did the damn Gargoyle have to be so mean?

"Plus, she is not in anyway. Tough luck."

"But-" Rose started but was cut off by the some of someone clearing their throat behind her.

"May I help you Miss Weasley?" Minerva McGonagall was peering over the tops of her glasses at the girl.

"Um, hello Professor. I am sorry to bother you. And I am sorry I didn't make an appointment." She was stammering, she didn't like being caught off guard.

"So I trust you have not been sent to me then? You are here on your own free will and not to receive some sort of punishment?"

"No Professor, I am not here because I am in trouble. I know, a bit of a shock right?" Rose tried to lighten the mood but the older witch didn't seem pleased. "Ah, right, well I wanted to ask a favor of you Professor."

"And what makes you think Miss Weasley that you are in any type of position to be requesting favors from me?"

"I know Professor that my behavior has been abysmal at best lately," that drew a soft chuckle from the headmistress, "but it is concerning my parents and really it is more for my brother than for me you could say."

"Well, go on then Miss Weasley. I am listening."

"I was wondering if perhaps my brother and I could go into Hogsmeade this weekend and possibly meet up with our parents to you know, talk things out."

"Miss Weasley, your Hogsmeade privileges have been revoked for the remainder of term as you know and being a first year your brother is not yet entitled to such trips," Minerva took her time in continuing. She was assessing the girl's expression, as she wanted to be sure that this was not just some rouse to get a break from her punishment. "Have you discussed this with your parents?"

"No Ma'am. We were waiting to see if you would let us go before writing to them," Rose admitted. How could she honestly have expected the headmistress to let them go into Hogsmeade?

"I see." Minerva saw how thoroughly disappointed Rose seemed. Her heart did go out to the girl, and her brother and her Potter cousins. It really was a terrible situation for the children to be in. Perhaps in this instance some leniency was in order, not that she hadn't already but more than gracious with Rose's punishments. "You and your brother may have permission to go into Hogsmeade but only if your parents agree to meet you. If for whatever reason they are unable to make it this weekend then you will not be allowed to go into town but surely we will be able to make other arrangements with them. Does that sound acceptable to you Miss Weasley?"

Rose's face lit up. She really hadn't expected the woman to say yes. Hugo would be happy and she would get out of the castle for the first time in quite a while. "Yes, thank you Professor. We will write them right away. Thank you!" Rose turned to run down the hall and find her brother but stopped when she remembered the original reason she wanted to speak to the headmistress.

"Oh, and Professor?"

"Yes?"

"I was curious if perhaps I could get some flying privileges back? I have been told that it may help my attitude a bit."

This young lady was really pushing her luck, "oh will it now? Miss Weasley, flying is just that, a privilege. A privilege that I do not believe your behavior warrants at this time. Also I was under the impression that you had given up quidditch, am I wrong?"

Rose looked down at her feet, she was embarrassed about being so forward with the older witch. "No Professor, you are not wrong. I did give it up. But I am thinking about taking it back up again. I know I can't be reinstated to the team or anything but I was just hoping that maybe I could get some flying in as sort of an outlet to my frustrations. Perhaps I wouldn't act up as much if I had that."

"Surely Miss Weasley you are not attempting to black mail me by saying if I don't allow you flying practice that you will continue acting up, because I assure you that is not the way to go about this,"

"No! No, of course not Professor! That is not at all what I meant! I just, I don't know. Flying helps me work out my anger or whatever. It was a silly idea."

"Well it is quite the catch 22. You are not allowed flying privileges because of your behavior but flying helps you control your temper thereby keeping you out of trouble. Is that what I am to understand?"

"Yes Professor. That was more what I was trying to say. But I understand that it is part of my punishment. Thank you though Professor for allowing my brother and I to Hogsmeade."

"Miss Weasley, I will make a deal with you. If you are able to control your temper and cease acting out in your classes until Easter break then your flying privileges will be reinstated at that time. I believe that offer is more than fair."

Rose nodded enthusiastically, "yes of course, thank you Professor McGonagall!" She wasn't quite sure if she could actually do it but at least the headmistress was giving her something to work towards.

Rose left the older witch and made her way to the Great Hall to find Hugo. She was relieved that Professor McGonagall had been so willing to listen to her. Was she looking forward to seeing her parents? Not exactly but she would do it for her brother. And now there was a chance that she would get her flying privileges back. This day wasn't turning out to be so bad after all.

Ginny dismounted her broom and walked toward the back door of the Burrow. She had spent most of the day practicing after leaving Hermione's house that morning and was very thankful to have something to focus her energy on. As much as she knew the woman had every right not to trust her it still hurt tremendously. But then again, she had been living her life blissfully unaware of Hermione's pain for so many years she deserved to feel this way, and worse.

Her mother was in the kitchen, as usual, preparing something for dinner. It was still odd for her to be back living with her parents seeing as she was a 38 year old woman with kids of her own. Not that she didn't appreciate everything her Mum and Dad were willing to put up with but she still needed to find a place of her own, and soon. She had thought about moving up north to Anglesey County for the convenience of being close to the Harpies stadium but she had spent her entire life in Devon. The thought was a little scary even though it was only about 300 km away and with the use of magical transportation, that was nothing. Something to think about.

"Ginny dear, two letters came for you while you were out. They are on the table."

"Thanks Mum," Ginny sat down picking up he letters. One appeared to be from Harry and the second, much to her surprise seemed to be from James. She decided to read the one from her son first.

Dear Mum and Dad,

Albus, Lily and myself would like to take you two up on your offer to come talk with us. We would like it if you were able to come up to the school this weekend. Please let us know if this can be arranged.

Always,

James

Even though it wasn't the warm, fuzzy letter she would have liked it was certainly better than nothing. Ginny was very happy that her children had agreed to see them even if James only wanted to yell at them. It was a start.

Harry's letter was what she expected, confirming that he too had heard from the kids. He went on to say that he had already made arrangements with Professor McGonagall to meet with the children on Saturday at 1 pm. Ginny did not mind that Harry went ahead and made the plans on his own, her schedule was entirely open where as his was not.

"Mum, the kids have agreed to see Harry and I. We are going to meet them at Hogwarts on Saturday," Ginny announced to her mother, clearly excited.

"Well that is good dear. See, things will start working themselves out. Slowly of course but in time," Molly hoped things would begin to turn around for her daughter and her family. Ginny had returned from Hermione's looking so completely depressed that she needed a spot of good news. Perhaps this was it.

"Yeah, I know. I am nervous about how it will go, you know? I know Lily is fine with everything but I also know James is probably going to just rip into us. Not that he isn't entitled to but it is still unnerving. And Albus. I have no idea what to expect from him. No one seems to have any insight at all into how he is dealing with all this. He is such a sensitive boy, I am just afraid of how he will react."

"I know Ginny, it will be tough. But the important thing is that the five of you will get to talk and the healing has to start somewhere," Molly gave her daughter a reassuring smile before turning back to her cooking.

"I know you're right Mum. And I can't say it enough, thank you for everything. I am going to start looking into getting my own place. Maybe somewhere closer to the stadium up in Wales for when practices start up. I know it is a bit farther away but I think, perhaps the space will do me some good."

"I think that is an excellent idea Ginny. A change of atmosphere might be just what you need to start over. But please, don't feel like you need to get out of our hair. You are more than welcome to stay here as long as you need, understand?"

Ginny got up from the table to give her mother a hug, "of course Mum. I love you, you know?"

"I know, I know, now go get your father, dinner is nearly ready," Molly returned the hug and shooed her daughter out of the kitchen.

Hermione was going through some old paperwork she had from when she first starting at the Ministry. It was mostly notes she had jotted down during interviews she had with different house elves. She had been trying to better assess their situations while attempting to rewrite the laws concerning their welfare but had always secretly hoped to write a book about their history. A project that quickly got lost in the shuffle of everything else but now she had time. Sure it was a different time and house elves had many more rights and led much better lives, due mostly in part to her work, but most people still didn't know the full extent of what they had gone through for centuries. If anything, it was something to occupy her time.

She was pulled out of her work by a tapping coming from the living room window. She opened it up letting in a very cold owl and some snow. She took the letter from its leg and tried to find an owl treat for it. The bird cozied up on the mantle of the fireplace trying to defrost its wings as Hermione read her letter.

Dear Mum,

Rose and I were wondering if you and dad could come meet us in Hogsmeade on Saturday. Rose was able to get special permission for us to go into town if you and Dad are able to make it so we can talk. Please let us know soon so we can tell Professor McGonagall. I'm looking forward to actually seeing you Mum, I've missed you a lot. And I know Rose is too even though she won't admit it. Hope to hear from you.

Love always,

Hugo

Just as she was putting the letter down, Hermione's cell phone rang. She immediately thought it was her mother calling about her father but she was relieved to see the name 'Ron' on her caller id. He must have received a letter too and figured that by phone was the quickest way of reaching her despite his distrust of muggle devices.

"Hello?"

"Hey, did you get a letter from the kids? They want to talk." Ron didn't seem too happy. Perhaps he was hoping it would be awhile before the kids came around and wanted to talk so he wouldn't have to see his wife again so soon.

"Yes Ron I did. Are you up for meeting them Saturday?"

"Of course, they're my kids too ain't they? And I said we'd do this together didn't I?"

"Right, I know you did. I wasn't implying that you didn't want to see the kids and I know we agreed to do this together, I was simply asking if you were ready to face them. As much as I want to see them I am still apprehensive about it myself."

"Well, I haven't done anything wrong as I see it so why should I be worried?"

"Please Ron, you have every right to be mad at me but we can't do this in front of the kids okay? Now are we gong to meet them or not?" The situation was bad enough, all she needed was for Ron to be tearing her down in front of Rose and Hugo.

Ron waited a minute before responding. He knew he couldn't treat Hermione poorly in front of the kids and he didn't want to. They did need to do this together even if it was going to be terribly awkward and difficult for everyone. So he softened his tone before continuing, "yes Hermione, I think we should meet them. And I will be on my best behavior, for the kids' sake. Now I started setting up my apartment today above the shop, it is not much but I think it will be an okay place to talk to the kids. That way we won't have everyone hanging around. I wouldn't be surprised if that damned Rita Skeeter has our kids followed."

"I agree, that woman has no scruples at all. She is vile. Thank you for offering your apartment, I think that will be the best idea. Avoid prying eyes and ears." Hermione knew that this would be hard for Ron.

"Well I will write them back then? Say around noon?" Ron offered.

"Sounds great. I will bring some lunch for us all. I will see you then Ron."

"Yeah, see you then Hermione."

Now she had a day and a half to plan out what all she was going to say to Rose and Hugo. Not that she could be entirely prepared for everything they were sure to ask of course but she could at least have some things sorted out. Mostly she just wanted to see them, hug them. Tell them she loved them. She knew Hugo would be receptive but was very unsure of how Rose would react. Well, she'd find out soon enough.