(a/n): As promised Punish the Guilty Chapter. 2 Chapts after this. Maybe an epilogue. Depends. Been a fun couple of years.

THANX ALL


55 – Crime and Punishment

The Gryffindor Quidditch Team, as a group, attended a funeral for one Death Eater. That of Katie Bell. The family was Pureblood, but as a rule they favored the Weasley outlook. Though they did not participate in The War. Katie had been by far the Bells' oldest child. The couple had three children that still were not old enough to attend Hogwarts.

George Weasley, who had known her best, spoke at length. The rest of the team, including Harry, stuck mostly to Quidditch references. None of them mentioned her sudden Purebloodist outburst at the end of last year's Gryffindor/Hufflepuff game.

"Thank you all for coming." Sean Bell said as he and his grieving family made their way through the relatively small turnout. Death Eaters were not popular people.

Not his usual loud self, George replied quietly "We're saying goodbye to a friend, sir. Even if she wasn't a friend at the time. We'd all rather remember Katie as a brilliant Quidditch player."

"She was …that" replied Mr. Bell with a choked up voice "She talked of going professional, before … Well, do any of you know what happened? I never raised her to support You-Know-Who. Why she---"

George broke in saying "We were kind of hoping you might know, sir. She just suddenly changed, right at that match. Or, maybe, it's the way she always thought, but never let on."

"You were in that house, I understand." Mr. Bell addressed Harry "Can you at least tell me who killed her? How she died?"

Shaking his head, Harry replied "Sorry, no. I can't. I never saw her. But from what I did see … if it helps… it looked to me like everyone in that house died very quick."

"I suppose I can accept that." The dark-skinned man sighed sadly.

From beside Harry, Susan offered "As for who, you know my Aunt sealed those particular details for a hundred years. Don't you think it's best not to have to carry a grudge like that?"

"Perhaps so." The grieving father agreed "That's a wise lady you have there. All of you are welcome to our house. We'd like to hear any memories you might be willing to share."

Susan, who knew almost beyond doubt that her brother had killed the man's daughter, declined "I didn't know her all that well. Uhh…please excuse me!"

"All these funerals." Harry explained before rushing off after her "Err…maybe another time."

Mr. Bell accepted the handshake and turned to George "They make a nice couple. Tell me, young Weasley, why is it we do not see Miss Greengrass in attendance?"

"We…err… that is---" George stammered helplessly.

Fred pitched in offering "My brother wasn't sure he would be welcome. And, that you could have taken Daphne coming as an insult."


"LIAR! I feel like such a phony!" Susan was cursing herself.

Harry had no difficulty following her. When he found her, Susan was doubled over, emptying the scant contents of her stomach. He waved a hand across her face and it was instantly spotless. "Come on, luv. We can't change anything. Especially Katie's decisions. And think of the risk to Frank."

"Doesn't change the way I feel!" she growled. Then sagged against Harry for a few minutes, sobbing.

After she stopped, Harry again fixed her face and said "Let's get you home."

"How do you put up with me?" she asked, tearfully.

Harry chuckled a bit and said "Compared to some of the things I've done. I think you still deserve a few."


Minister of Magic, Amelia Black (formerly Bones), formally ended the war, and the state of martial law one week after Ginny's funeral. That decree was issued at the same time Voldemort's body was destroyed. A funeral was held for the deceased Dark Lord, but no one spoke. Much like the fate of Malfoy Manor, the ashes from Voldemort's remains were scattered across the North Atlantic.

During the months after, trials were held for all surviving Death Eaters. One rather old crime, the murder of Edgar Bones, had still gone unsolved. If a suspect insisted on testifying under Veratiserum, Minister Black granted the request without question saying that the travesty of Sirius' trial would never be repeated. And certainly not with her in charge. Not all were found guilty, of those that were, many didn't go to Azkaban.

Hogwarts was once again a school and not a fortress. There wasn't a single inhabitant that had not been affected by the events of the previous year, but as much as possible professors and students returned to normal. Though, a common occurrence was some student absent for several days as a trial that he or she had an interest in came up on the docket. Harry's absences were chronic, until the Wizengamot got sick of seeing him and refused to allow summons for his presence for either prosecution or defense.

So it was that about the time Susan's birthday was approaching, that Hermione came into Gryffindor Tower reading a copy of The Quibbler. She walked right into a table that two Third Years were using to study.

Ron flicked his wand and caught her in a cushioning spell

"Quite the gentleman." Harry joked, looking up from the chessboard between them "Now if I can ever get him to play me with a queen handicap. So, what's got you so distracted?"

Hermione replied "The Malfoys trial is on the docket for tomorrow."

"And, surprisingly, no summons for yours truly." Harry observed "What a treat, just a normal day."


Lucius Malfoy was the highest ranking survivor from Voldemort's former inner circle. As such, his trial would get the most coverage. And, he wanted to use it as a platform to make his case regarding Pureblood control of the Wizarding World.

"No, Mrs. Malfoy" their attorney was saying "I do not know the Minister's agenda in requesting this meeting. She--"

Draco sneered at the man "Then what are we paying you for?"

"Silence Draco." Narcissa ordered "It does seem to be a positive development."

The attorney nodded "Most definitely. I have dealt with the Minister on more than one occasion. And, clearly, we have an advantage. It will be our job to determine both what it is and how best to exploit it."

"And that, Draco, is what we are paying for." said Lucius.

The boy gave an arrogant shrug and answered "Of course, Father."

The heavy door to the secured conference room swung open and the attorney said "Here we go."

"Lucius Malfoy, you are charged with multiple counts of assault, murder, use of Unforgivables, bribing of Ministry officials and treason." Amelia said in an iron tone. She seated herself at the opposite end of the conference table. "That is a quick summary."

A young Auror set two heavy scrolls of parchment in front of the Minister. Then stood at her shoulder.

"Thank you." Amelia acknowledged, then glared at the youngster "Draco Malfoy, your list of crimes is very nearly as bad. And, further aggravating them, is the kidnapping of a pair of young girls. Not to say that Miss Greengrass' kidnapping is any less serious. Are you and your father in some demented competition?"

Lucius cut in, ordering "Do not speak, Draco. Now tell me what that is doing here." He was referring to the presence of Sirius.

"That will become clear later." Amelia replied. She gave her husband a brief, tender gaze. Sirius did not speak. He merely returned the gaze with affection, then glared at Lucius.

The Malfoy lawyer took over "My client has repeatedly testified that he was a victim of the Dark Lord's Imperius Curse, and therefore not responsible for his actions. You, yourself, Minister Black acknowledged the possibility when you cleared Gideon Prewett of the Wizengamot Massacre."

"That you would use your own victim to excuse your crimes is a disgrace." Amelia snapped, angrily, staring at Lucius "But, hardly unexpected. I assume, then, that you are willing to allow Veratiserum to be administered. Or at the very least you have multiple witnesses as Mr. Prewett did."

He countered "As you know, Minister, Section 3 Paragraph 6 ensures that a defendant need not discuss details of his or her defense prior to trial. This is to balance out the investigative advantages of the State."

"Enough of this foolishness!" exclaimed Lucius "You, Mudblood, are responsible for the destruction of my home. I demand that I and my son be released forthwith! And that you compensate me for the damage inflicted on my estate. Further ---"

"Silence! Fool!" Amelia ordered. It wasn't a spell, just years of the habit of command that demanded compliance "Now, your intentions are rather obvious. Feel free to point out the great superiority of Purebloods. I remind you that your allegation of being kept in Voldemort's thrall would collapse that argument at once as he was a Half-Blood. Interesting dilemma, is it not?"

Malfoy's attorney injected a question "Minister, it is clear you wish something other than a full trial. Might I ask your intentions?"

"Very well." She replied "I made a magical oath that I would do all in my power to insure that the Malfoy line survives this current generation. That was the condition for obtaining the location of your Manor. "

Draco slapped the table and demanded "I want the name of the blood-traitor!"

"Why, your own Great- Great-Great-Great-Grandmother. Whose portrait also hangs in Susan's bedroom. Apparently, you have forgotten how closely related we actually are." Amelia answered him, then continued "As you can imagine, this puts me in a rather difficult position. The Weasleys have no desire to see Gideon's murderer go free. Nor does my family wish to see their daughter's torturer free. Both, in fact, are demanding death. The Greengrass clan, as you might imagine, has a few ideas as well. And if this trial goes forward, that is likely. Just picture my little niece crying on the stand. But, count yourself fortunate, young Malfoy, that there was no sexual assault. Or, I would likely accept the consequences of violating the oath. You have a choice."

The attorney asked "What are your terms?"

"My terms are simple. A guilty plea." Amelia replied "On all counts. One of you will go to Azkaban for the rest of your life. The other, a twenty-year sentence."

Lucius was on his feet, shouting "HOW DARE YOU!"

Sirius eagerly went into action, followed by the Auror and in a second Lucius was bleeding from his mouth and nose.

Amelia hadn't even flinched "And that is why my husband is present. The next such outburst will be fatal." She said, coldly "I am not Cornelius Fudge. You cannot intimidate, bribe, or blackmail me. Perhaps you would like to lose most of your arm, again. This time permanently. Well? What's it to be?"

"Might we have time to consider?" the lawyer requested.

Amelia nodded, fractionally and said "The trial is set to start in two hours. You have ninety minutes."

"Minister Black, that was most enjoyable to watch." said Remus, gallantly. He had been observing from outside the room.

Amelia executed a lightly mocking bow and replied "Thank you kind sir."

"Minister Black." Sirius shuddered "That still sounds odd."

At the end, the Malfoys agreed. Their attorney asked one final question "Madam Minister, you stated one or the other of my clients would be released in twenty years. Yet, you did not indicate which?"

"Quite correct." Amelia acknowledged "It is a matter of complete indifference to me. And consider this my own personal payback. Mrs. Malfoy, you may choose between your son and husband."

Narcissa was aghast "SIRIUS! DO SOMETHING!" she cried.

His response, giving no hint he cared for their own ties, was a cold "Good day, Mrs. Malfoy."


Susan's seventeenth birthday was a replay of the couple's first date. Her boyfriend had been oddly mysterious, however. It had left her slightly troubled. But, everything had run so smoothly that by the time they entered Madam Rosmerta's the newly minted adult was fairly glowing with delight. She hugged his arm tightly and sighed "Who says boys can't be romantic?"

"Dunno what she's on about." Harry addressed the proprietress "I'm just hungry. Might you have a table, Rosie?"

Madam Rosmerta bowed them in, grinning at Harry "It is short notice." She said "But, I think we can accommodate such a noted pair."

"Same table as our first date." Susan observed, putting a little playful scorn into her voice. "You, Harry Potter, are up to something."

Harry gallantly assisted her into her place, leaned down, kissed her forehead and replied "Don't know what you mean. Butterbeer?"

"By all means." She said, playing along "And I suppose we'll be having steak and fries for dinner?"

Harry sat across from her, pulled a surprised expression and answered "Never woulda thought of that! Brilliant idea! Medium for me…she likes hers so raw it moos when you cut it."

"Keep it up and I'll make you moo!" she threatened, stabbing her fork in his general direction.

He chuckled, reached under the table and pinched her knee.

"Fresh!" she complained, with an amused lilt.

Butterbeer arrived at the end of a friend's wand "Two Bottomless Butterbeers. Kinnison brand, of course."

"Wouldn't drink that other stuff! Whatever it's called!" Harry grandly declared "This is a surprise. What're you doing here, Cho?"

Sadness flickered across the Chinese girl's "Rosie lost several people in the War, before we all packed into Hogwarts. She sold the place to my father. And, I'm slowly learning the business."

"Madam Chang's, huh?" Susan commented.

Cho shook her head "Not as long as I'm running it. Rosmerta's it is Rosmerta's it stays. And, Harry, don't know what's in it, but there's a huge box in our kitchen with your name on it. And someone that looks half-Elf, half-Goblin who stares at anyone who gets too close."

"Never thought of Dobby as all that scary!" he giggled "Then again, he does take things we ask him to do a little seriously. Don't worry Cho, he won't hurt anyone. I promise."

She frowned for a moment then replied "If you say so. Well, steaks will be out in ten minutes. Happy Birthday, Susan.

"Thanks, Cho." She replied, "And, good luck with this." And, when they were alone, observed "Steak doesn't cook quite that fast."

Deadpan, he answered "It's a warm day."

"And what's this giant box?" she inquired. "What did you do?"

Harry smirked into his drink and just shrugged. "Nuttin. HEY!"

"Two can play the knee pinch game." She retorted. "Now, you gonna tell me what's in the box?"

He shrugged, asking "What box? Dunno wha'cher talking about."

"Are you sure you don't want to make Snape stew a bit longer?" she asked, changing the subject.

Harry frowned at her "I don't want to talk about him tonight. All I care about is your birthday. Okay?"

"Sure, Harry." Susan responded. She'd been momentarily annoyed at the rebuke, but couldn't argue with his earnestness regarding her birthday. When the meals came, she quipped "Looks like yours could get up and walk away."

He grunted at her as he sliced off a piece and countered "What about yours? Looks like a lump of charcoal." They both laughed at themselves.

"Ready for phase two?" Madam Rosmerta asked, enigmatically as she scooped up the empty plates. With Harry's nod, she blew a note into her harmonica and a cake glowing with seventeen candles, and a fiery "17" above it floated out of the kitchen. Behind the cake was her staff cheerfully, loudly, singing "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU…"

Susan blushed brightly under all the attention, but favored her boyfriend with a pleased grin. As a close relation of the Minister of Magic and a potential inheritor of her influence, Susan gracefully acknowledged the well wishers and the applause after she blew out the candles.

"A Happy Birthday to you, dear." Madam Rosmerta said, pecking Susan on each cheek.

Cho served up a piece to each of them and said "I'll pack up the rest for you to take."

"Thanks." Said Harry "Tell Dobby five minutes, please."

Both women departed. The staff went back to its work and the other diners resumed their meals.

"So you are up to something." Susan commented when they were alone again.

Harry pulled a stern face and ordered "Eat your cake."

On cue, Dobby walked out with a box floating behind him on wisps of white clouds. The box was rectangular, large enough to take most of the table, and wrapped in a cheery yellow paper. After it settled almost soundlessly between them, Dobby announced proudly "Missie's Boneses gift, Harry Potter, sir."

"Well done, Dobby." Harry praised him and patted his shoulder. "Thank you very much."

Susan leaned over and kissed the top of the House-elf's head "Yes, thank you Dobby." She said "Tell me, will I like my gift?"

"Dobby canst be knowing Missie Boneses." He answered, glowing brightly "Harry Potter gave Dobby special orders not to answer any of Missie Boneses questions. Missie Boneses must open gift."

Copying the Elf's speech pattern, she gave Harry a cross look and said "Then thasis whats Missie Boneses doeses." Dobby disappeared in a puff of smoke.

"Think ya scareded him, Sue." Harry commented with a chuckle "That's a pretty big box. Best get started. Don't ya think?"

Giving her best 'We are not amused' look Susan reached her arms over the top of the box and tore at the paper. It revealed a plain brown box. She tilted it and out came a silver sphere. "Crystal Ball? You sure you didn't get this for Lavender Brown?" she grumbled "I'm pretty far down the list in Divination."

"Err…hmm" he deadpanned "Looks like more wrapping paper to me."

Silver wrapping gave way to a brown ball little smaller than the box. Inside the hollow ball was a red pyramid shaped container. Susan looked past it and grumbled "You think this is funny?"

"Wasn't easy finding paper that exactly matched your hair." Harry replied, proud of his achievement.

She glared at him and demanded "How many more of these?"

"One or two, I think." He answered.

Six boxes of various shapes, and colored wrapping, later a more than miffed Susan was holding a box about the length and width of her forearm. Her wand, which she'd pulled minutes earlier, was pointed at Harry "If I thought this would do any good, I'd hex you a good loop."

"You know, you're really messy." Harry commented blandly "Boxes and wrapping everywhere. Good thing Madam Rosmerta has other ways to get around us."

Susan resignedly ripped wrapping off a square box that fit in her hand "Finally!" she exhaled "No more pape --- HARRY! This-this is a! Ring? Box? Oh my…"

"Think I surprised her." Harry gloated to himself. A witness, had there been any, would have seen him move before Susan started sliding from her seat. Gently, he extended his mind and poked hers.

Susan jolted awake to find herself in Harry's arms "How'd this happen? Not that I mind."

"You had a bit of a shock." He replied softly. "A good one, I hope."

Susan's fuzzy head began to focus "Harry James Potter, were you proposing to me?"

"I think that's the first time you've done that." He commented lightly "Used my full name. Actually, I have to say almost. Your Dad said we could put this on your right hand until we graduate. That is if you---"

They were both a little confused as to exactly how, but she was somehow suddenly on top of him in the booth raining kisses on his face yelling "YES! YES! YES! A THOUSAND TIMES! YES!"


The couple was next seen by a highly irate Hannah Abbott just by the main gates "Where were you! Do you have any idea what time it is? The Sun is rising!"

"Hear that, dear?" Harry asked, his lips made a smacking sound on Susan's cheek.

In the same unrepentant tone, Susan answered "Sure did. Means we didn't miss class. Or breakfast. Merlin's beard! But I'm hungry! We did work up quite an appetite!"

"LALALALALA!" the blond Hufflepuff clamped her elbows against her ears "DON'T WANNA KNOW!"

Susan laughed "Liar. She does too. Just not with you around."

"Ohhhhhhh." He sighed dramatically "Suuuure talk about me when I'm not around. Oh well… Hannah, you'll make sure she gets back, OK? Her hand's a bit heavy and her legs are a bit rubbery."

Susan gave a mock-horrified squeal and swung on him. Only to miss as he bounced away with a definite spring in his step.

Just before Harry turned into the Great Hall, Professor Sprout confronted him "You realize that both you and Miss Bones missed bedcheck, Mr. Potter."

"Yes Ma'am." He acknowledged, grinning.

She frowned up at him "Mr. Potter, I dislike taking points from favorite students. And it tends to make me harsher than I might be for a similar infraction. In this particular case, yours is a most serious violation. I cannot do less than maximum. Keeping a girl out all night, even if---"

"Technically, Professor" argued Harry cheerfully "she's the one that kept me out. I might be certified as an adult. But, Miss Bones is actually of age."

That was one of the best comebacks the Head of Hufflepuff had ever heard. But, she refused to allow her expression to change. A school half-full of war heroes was going to be quite challenging to handle next year. "Your argument is spurious, Mr. Potter." She scolded him "That will be one hundred points from Gryffindor and Miss Bones can expect the same."

"Yes Ma'am." He nodded, still grinning.

She was not about to leave that grin in place "And, Mr. Potter, you can explain yourself in a week's detention. With Professor Bones." Satisfied with the fallen expression, she added "Congratulations." and walked away.

Harry took a seat with Ron and Hermione at the Gyffindor Table he looked around and all eyes her on him. Except when he looked specifically at someone, he or she would look away. A girl would tend to giggle.

There was a tap on his shoulder and a young female voice asked "So, Fred and George asked me to ask you how it was on a scale of one to ten?"

Harry choked on his pumpkin juice. He paled in shock and turned purple in embarrassment. By the time he recovered, four Slytherin First Year girls were giggling madly together. Harry couldn't really do anything but glare at her. Which only caused Tina Bones and her friends more giggling.

"See what I been telling you all along. All Slytherins are evil." Ron joked, then more seriously "Since you're in a good mood. Would you mind if I asked what you guys finally decided about---?"

Harry's humor faded, but he couldn't summon any anger at his friend "We talked it through. I think we're onto something. I don't want to make any promises."


"Mr. Potter, a detention is designed as punishment. It is not customary to bring friends or unofficial fiancées to them." The Potion Mistress said, sternly, if with a hint of affection.

Harry nodded "Yes, Professor Bones, I understand that. But, I hoped this was the best chance to discuss something else."

"Alright." Joan allowed "What is on your minds?"


Azkaban Prison, a massive triangular stone structure on a desolate island surrounded by violent seas. No less foreboding in spite of the absence of most of the Dementors. Only a handful had survived the recent war, and they were restricted to the high security areas. They patrolled the perimeter of the island in endless circles and also guarded the only entrance.

Aurors brought across the large group of visitors in three boats. Despite their high rank, notoriety, or both they all had to surrender their wands at the opposite shore.

The entrance was as heavily fortified as Hogwarts at the height of the siege. The soul-sucking creatures were drawn to the humans who approached. However, on recognizing Harry, they fled.

"Well isn't that a delight?" the current Commander of the Guard observed. He'd been ready to cast a Patronus.

Sirius slapped Harry's back lightly and quipped "My Godson, Nemesis of Dementors!"

"Any chance you serving here?" asked Sharpe, who was currently the overnight shift supervisor.

Harry shook his head "No way. I'd kill them all. So, how'd a Order of Merlin winner end up with this job?"

"Every Auror does a stint." the Commander explained "In Sharpe's case, he actually volunteered and for a full year. We only require six month shifts. I think he's showing off a bit."

Sirius laughed "That's my Bobby!"

"BLACK!" growled Sharpe.

Rarely did the prison host so many visitors at once. Only the cafeteria was large enough to handle the Bones clan, minus Tina and Frank, plus all the Weasleys.

"We have also isolated Snape for you, Harry." Sharpe said "How would you like to do this? Him first or the other two?"

Harry considered then said "Snape always puts me in a bad mood. He can wait a little longer."

The Weasleys were allowed several private minutes with Bill and Charlie while Harry, Sirius and the Bones stood at the far end. When they were done, the convicts were secured to chairs designed for the purpose. They were built into the floor and immovable. All that was required was a pin in the wrist and ankle shackles to bolt them in.

"Is that really necessary?" Molly protested.

The Commander replied "Standard procedure for all prisoners. Especially necessary with The Minister present."

"Thank you, Commander." Amelia said "Perhaps I could just have Robert as an immediate bodyguard. The rest of you can wait outside."

The Commander acknowledged the order with a salute and said "It is only fair to warn you that the door to the kitchen has three Dementors posted behind it. And several guards will be in place at the main entrance. There has never been a successful escape while I have been in charge."

"Big hero here to gloat!" Bill sneered as soon as the Aurors were out of the room "We read how they worship you!" He had a half-healed gash that ran from his forehead to his left ear.

"Watch your tone!" Sirius snapped.

Harry held up a hand and said "No, it's fine, let him have his say."

"Bill's right!" Charlie put in, hatefully "First you were famous over your parents' bodies. Now it's over our sister's body. Proud of yourself, Potter?" The younger of the two did not have any visible injuries, but he looked unhealthy.

If Harry had wanted him dead, Charlie would have crumbled to dust right then.

"YOU IDIOTS!" both twins yelled simultaneously.

"Stand down, Robert." Amelia directed the advancing Auror "Let us move on."

Susan spoke up "Just a second, Auntie. I have a thought for them. I want to untwist their logic. You both think Harry's to blame for Ginny's death?"

"Smart little whore." Bill retorted. This earned him a punch in the mouth from Harry before anyone else could move. In fact Harry's fist arrived just as the last word finished

Sharpe commented "Didn't see a thing."

"Name calling doesn't phase me." Susan said, though she did twirl her fingers in Harry's hair "I've seen too much. Anyway, I'll bet you think if you'd been there you could have done something? Right?"

The brothers both gave nasty smiles.

Susan nodded, her expression cold, and nasty "Figured as much. Well, it's just possible you're right. And, if you hadn't tried to murder us, you would have been in that battle. Yes?"

"We're now cowards!" shouted Charlie.

She shrugged "Ehh… debatable. Anyway, since the murder attempt landed you here, then I guess it's your fault your sister's dead." Having said her peace she sat and gave Harry's hand a comforting squeeze.

Bill and Charlie both raged against their bonds. And were silenced by a stinging hex, complements of Sharpe.

"That is quite enough from both of you." Amelia ordered "It would behoove you to remember you still have thirty-eight years and an odd number of days to serve. We would not be here at all were it not for the very people you were insulting. To business, it is within my power as Minister to consider the parole of individuals imprisoned in Azkaban for a wide variety of reasons."

A displeased Neal Bones commented "Not that you two are worthy."

"Are you going to hex him, like you did my sons?" Molly demanded.

Amelia snapped at her "Your sons are the convicts. Whom Aurors have the authority to discipline. My brother-in-law is not within Auror Sharpe's jurisdiction."

"So much for your great notion of fairness." Molly sneered. She was hushed by Arthur.

Amelia ignored her and addressed Bill and Charlie "One basis, the one I applied in this situation, is the wishes of a particularly outstanding citizen. I can be assured that Ginevra Weasley might have wished this. I am prepared to offer parole to the two of you under a number of conditions."

"Don't suppose any of them benefit us." grumbled Charlie.

"You can always go back to your cells." Sharpe offered. He was not at all bothered by the glares he received.

Amelia nodded, "Quite. You are to be exiled from Britain for the rest of your natural lives."

"THAT'S OUTRAGEOUS!" Molly bellowed. She had to be restrained by her sons and Arthur.

"In whatever nation you settle, you must register with that country's MLE Department" she continued "and report weekly to the British Embassy, therein. Further, you must acquire wands with tracking spells. The Ministry will supply a Portkey from here wherever you wish to go, one time only. If, for whatever reason, any member of the Potter, Bones, or Black families travels to the same city you reside in, you must surrender yourself to the British Embassy for the duration of the stay. Your schedule is entirely secondary. Is that clear?"

Charlie grumbled an affirmative, Bill merely nodded looking furious.

"The penalty for non-compliance is simple. You are both responsible for the behavior of the other. Nor does it matter if you remain together or go your separate ways. If one of you disappears, the other will be taken and returned to Azkaban, to serve both sentences in full. Is that clear?"

Sharpe wondered "Is that even legal?"

"My interest is in protecting my family. And their signatures will make it legal." Amelia replied "Two last conditions. Delores Umbridge is a fugitive. If either of you have contact with her you must report it, and comply with any instructions that assist in her capture. I'll allow Harry the final word."

He stood, planted his hands and leaned over the table "We want a public apology. From both of you. We want you both to stand in the Ministry, admit what you did and apologize for it."

"So that's what this is about." Bill growled "You want us to humiliate ourselves in public. Well forget it."

Charlie nodded "Me too!"

"Fine, we're done." Susan said, she stood and started for the door.

Percy spoke calmly, but coldly "You would hang two lives on a few words? How petty. You have some serious growing up to do, girl."

"You're not a professor here, Percy. So stick it up your arse." Harry taunted "Still having trouble with Xeno Lovegood?"

Susan added, cynically "If it helps you make up your minds, we don't actually care if you mean it or not. All we really insist on are the words. My friend Hannah Abbott has written the speech you will give."

"Done." Bill and Charlie said, after sharing a look. Bill added "My parents told me my wife returned to France. Send me there."

Amelia wasn't surprised "In anticipation of that, I flooed Minister Delacour this morning and spoke with him at great length. It seems that during our war, his daughter sought an Annulment on the grounds of failure to consummate the marriage. Considering that you were arrested during the reception, the Annulment was granted."

"WHHAAAAAAAATTTTT!" Bill roared, furiously. He fought futilely against the magically reinforced bonds until another stinging hex from Sharpe again took the fight out of him.

Neil found it quite amusing and laughed.

Harry and Susan exchanged a glance that had a certain satisfaction to it. They muted their expressions in response to the reactions of the Weasleys they were still friends with.

A saddened Arthur asked "Amelia, what can be done?"

"Any issue involving citizens of separate countries must go through the ICW, Arthur. If your son wishes to object, he must make his appeal there." Amelia replied "Minister Delacour was most insistent that he would defend his daughter's decision aggressively."

Bill snarled "Just get me to Paris and I'll handle the rest."

"Minister Delacour has forbidden you entry to France." Producing a parchment, she continued "The Swiss Ministry has offered a Portkey to Basel, Switzerland which sits right between France and Germany. There, you may meet with Monsieur and Madame Thibodaux. Which, Minister Delacour indicated as his daughter's wedded name. He also stated they have a red-haired part-Veela child not quite a year old."

Bill seethed with resentment, but didn't have the strength to try his restraints again "Boy or girl?" he demanded.

"Minister Delacour said, you must ask that of Fleur." Amelia replied. "Nor did he offer any details to me."

Even Neil, who had been holding in laughter mostly so he wouldn't miss anything, winced at that. The notion of not even knowing one of his children was highly disturbing.

"Someday Potter!" growled Bill.

Amelia cut off anything else he might have said, her voice dripping with threat "I strongly suggest you read the entire parole declaration. If any of us meet with violence, the first people to be investigated will be the pair of you. And if either of you played even the smallest part, you will both be executed. Now, are you going to sign? Or go back to your cells?"

"And it'll be backed up by a bounty like I did with the Death Eaters." Harry added. With that, he got up and headed for the exit with Susan. He threw a taunt over his shoulder "Hey, here's something you can't do!"


Out in the corridor, Susan and Harry were talking quietly with their foreheads leaning together. Sirius was playing protective Godfather arguing with Amelia and the Azkaban Commander against his Godson exposing himself to the former Potions Professor. Amused, she asked "You just gonna let him wear himself out?"

"Makes him feel good. Plus, just being here makes him cranky." Harry replied.

Susan rolled her eyes and commented "Gee, can't imagine why. You ready for Snape?"

"Yeah, though if we keep cuddling, I'll be way too cheery." He quipped.

A frustrated looking Ron approached and said "Hey, you two. Looks like it's always gonna be me stuck in the middle. I can't believe I have a niece…err..nephew maybe… I knew nothing about."

"If you're asking, did I know." Harry said "Then, no, not until this morning. Fleur's father insisted on including me in the call. And Ron, he did say that it's just Bill. She'd want the rest of you to be part of the baby's life. Maybe you should go to Switzerland, too."

The red-haired boy nodded, then said "Thanks, I might. Look, Harry, could you let us explain about Harnevra to Bill and Charlie?"

"I could. Why?" Harry replied.

He glanced at Susan, then back to Harry and said "I know they…well, Charlie just now…. What he said was way out of line. But, her comeback… well, it shook them both… Bad. So you'll do it?"

"No, Ron." Harry replied, after a moment's thought "I won't. ---"

Susan interrupted, adding "They don't show the least little bit of regret or remorse about what they did to us. Harry almost died, and I almost ended up in here. And---"

"You can't blame them for that!" exclaimed Ron "That was Umbridge!"

"She got Fudge to supply the Dementors. Remember?" Susan countered "And, back to what I was going to say, what Criminal #2 said about Harry's parents in there was just one more unforgivable thing to add to the list."

Ron's shoulders slumped "But, they're my brothers."

"And you're my friend Ron." Susan said with compassion, then without "But to me, they'll always be criminals."

Harry nodded in agreement "I feel the same. And, knowing even a bit about them from Ginny through Harnevra, well that makes it worse than what Sue just said. In a way, can you imagine how you might feel if one of them tried to kill you?"

"I guess. See ya later." Ron said, dejectedly.


"The indignity!" Severus Snape snarled for the hundredth time since he had been secured to a chair in a visitor cell. He burned with resentment at being left like this for over an hour. Unlike Bill and Charlie, however, he was not given to futile demonstrations of anger. He made no useless attempts to break the unbreakable. "Well, you took your sweet time, Potter!"

Harry was instantly in the right mood "Been busy. Wha'd'ya want, Snape?"

"Three months I have been here, and that is all you have to say?" he demanded.

Harry shrugged, paced around the restrained prisoner then sat. He was flanked by Sirius and Susan. He demanded "You somehow think you have a claim on my family home. Explain!"

"Address me properly, you arrogant brat!" Snape ordered.

Sirius chuckled "Yes, Harry. Do. He meant to say, what do you want, Snivellus?"

Susan shot him a smirk and said "Now, now, Mr. Black, he is used to titles and such. Let us be formal. How can we help you Prisoner Snape?"

"I demand to speak with you privately, Potter." He demanded.

Harry kissed the back of her hand lazily, fake-yawned and answered "Request denied. Sirius insists on being my bodyguard. And Susan, well… that's none of your business. You murdered the only woman you loved just as if you'd Avada'd her yourself."

"You know nothing of it." Snape spat. "I want---"

Harry cut him off angrily "Oh…but I do! And every bit of it from your own slimy brain! You hated my Father so much that you were only too glad to see him murdered! And then you believed that lying THING when he promised not to kill my Mother!"

"It was my poisons that slayed the Dark Lord!" Snape declared "You offered a bounty! I want what's coming to me! Plus I want MY HOME returned!"

Harry laughed in a way that would have done Voldemort proud "Oh! That!" he exclaimed "Let's see. The furnishings, gave them to St. Brutus'. You wouldn't know it, Muggle place. All the Dark Magic books? Confiscated by Aurors. Potions books and Supplies? Potion Mistress Bones is putting them to fine use. The house itself? Sold it to one Ronald Bilius Weasley."

"Weasley does not have two Knuts to rub together." sneered Snape.

"Copying Draco?" Harry sneered right back "Sold it to him for One Galleon."

"I'LL KILL YOU!" Snape's control finally broke. He roared and raged.

Harry got out of his seat, stomped over and grabbed Snape's throat "I could fry your brain without trying! But, it would cause problems!" he shouted, hatefully "People would ask questions. You want to collect that bounty. Go ahead. Try. See how far it gets with Sirius Black's wife and Susan's Auntie in charge."

"Arrogant little bastard!" Snape gagged out as he caught his breath.

Harry had to prevent Sirius from attacking "Insulting your true love yet again?" he asked "I believe my parents were properly married. My Mother was so good she probably still would have forgiven you. Shame we'll never know for sure. Since I'm the only one who can speak for her, I'm here to tell you she curses the day you met!"


"So what was the point of all that?" Susan wanted to know, later.

"I half hoped he wanted to apologize." Harry admitted.

Sirius gave a disgusted snort "When pigs fly! Without magic, that is."

"He's still a top Legilimens." Harry explained "And I couldn't get in quick and easy without breaking his concentration. Easiest way to do that is piss him off. He was only open for a split second, but it was enough to drop something into his mind so deep it will only come out in dreams. Or, in the presence of a Dementor."

Sirius complained "Not as satisfying as breaking his crooked nose."

"Or setting his hair on fire?" Harry offered, to Susan's mild alarm "You were into Kick Me signs and Fartbags, right? Figures --- My lovely almost fiancée, here, taught me subtlety. Imagine Snape dreaming pleasant dreams of tormenting First Year Gryffindors with questions from Fourth Year Books, then quite suddenly out of nowhere a furious Lily Evans screams how she will never forgive him. Or, an older Lily Potter telling James how much she loves him."

Sirius sniggered "Think we can get recordings of him waking up screaming?"

"Better start being nice to…uhh…" Susan suggested, dryly "What is it you call him? Oh, yeah…Bobby."

Sirius waggled a finger at her and said "You are not too old, my dear, to be put over kindly Uncle Sirius' knee."

"Does kindly Uncle Sirius care to wager a Knut or three on the odds of getting past Harry?" he asked.

Sirius bowed melodramatically and said "Oh please don't hurt this poor defenseless puppy!"

The Halls of Azkaban witnessed a rare sight of three people laughing.


Not for the first time, Amelia faced an angry Neil "Are you proud of yourself, Minister?" he growled "The scum that tried to kill my daughter are back on the streets! I've got half a mind to put you through a wall!"

"Don't even think about it!" Sharpe interposed himself between them, gave the angry man a shove and drew his wand.

Amelia shoved his hand away and said "Dismissed, Robert. This is a family matter."

"With respect, Minister. No!" he agrued, glaring at Neil.

As political as ever, Amelia offered a compromise "Auror Sharpe, if you will loan me your spare wand and move to the end of the corridor, will that satisfy your concern for my safety?"

"What could you possibly say that I would want to hear, Minister?" Neil demanded coldly, after Sharpe departed.

Joan gripped her husband's arm and said "Neil please. It is what Harry and Susan agreed to."

"And, it is a parent's job to point out when a child is making a mistake." he countered "And to correct it."

"Remember Ginny Weasley? The girl that died a hero. How long do you suppose her brothers would have stayed in Azkaban?" asked Amelia "They would never have served their full sentence. And if it had been another Minister, then they might have received a pardon instead of a parole. By my calculations there was a thirty-four percent chance they would have served at most five years. And almost no chance of them serving more than ten. A pardon, which would have offered them complete freedom, depending on who was Minister - well the odds are unclear so I'll call it 50-50. This is a much better result for us. For Susan's safety."

Neil's anger faded some. As it did, the fact dawn on him that he really had no chance in a fight with his Sister-in-law "And you could not have told me all this before?" he grumbled.

"Your reactions were much better as they were." she apologized "Yes, I used that. Are you going to hit me now?"

That deflated the last of his fury "OF course not, Ami." he said "Let's get out of this hideous place. It's making me cranky."