Chapter Seventy-Six

Family Matters

'You have a visitor,' her guard scowled at her.

Molly Weasley was the same place she had been for the last twenty-four hours. In this tiny cell under the ministry. She had just been charged with double murder and conspiracy to commit first class line theft. These fools who condemned her didn't understand that she had acted for the greater good of the whole world.

Molly knew that with what she had been charged with she would be sentenced to the Kiss. But Molly Weasley was not most people and she was not scared. Because she knew that Dumbledore would come for her.

Molly let herself be led in magical restraining cuffs to a small interview room. It was made of the same grey brick as her cell, with one small table made of grey stone. There were runes marked into the middle of the table.

'Sit,' her guard said.

Molly was forced to sit, and her guard pulled out her wand and placed it on the runes. A shield separating her from the other half of the room sprung up. The guard left her and shortly afterwards a short, thin, dark skinned man who was probably about ten years older than Molly herself was.

'Hello, Mrs Weasley, I am Caesar Heap, Master of Magical Law,' Heap introduced himself. 'And Arthur Weasley's legal counsel.'

'You can tell Arthur I don't need a lawyer,' sniffed Molly.

Heap snorted, 'I am not here to represent you, and I wouldn't even if Arthur asked me to. No, I am here to serve you divorce papers.'

A pile of papers were placed on his end of the table and pushed through the barrier.

Molly bit out a laugh, 'Arthur wouldn't divorce me, he loves me.'

'He does,' agreed Heap. 'You have also committed several Kissable offences and dragged him down with you. Is it any wonder that he wants to cut ties with you?'

'Well, I won't sign them!' snarled Molly.

'Then we will submit them to the Family Law Courts,' Heap said. 'Given everything that you have done, do you really think they will side with you? All it will do is delay the proceedings for up to four weeks. I am not going to say it benefits you to sign them rather than for it to proceed without your consent – it doesn't as even with your consent you only get half of everything and you are unlikely to see anything of that ever again given your charges. But are you really going to cause your husband anymore harm? If you ever truly loved him, I urge you let him go.'

Molly had loved Arthur Weasley since she was fifteen years old. Her friends and family had never understood – at the time she was the Heiress of the Prewett family, and he was a penniless blood-traitor, but he was kind, gentle, did everything she asked and though she hung the moon. He was everything she wanted in a man and she knew she had the resources to look after them both whilst he researched Muggles. He was planning to write a book on his discoveries.

But then Molly was disowned after she had stopped her brothers from becoming a threat. They were suddenly left with nothing but the profits from their produce at the Burrow to support seven young children. Arthur dropped his research project and went to work at the Ministry to support them, but it had only brought in enough to live meagrely, never like Molly had been used to.

Fortunately, Dumbledore had helped them through those years. If he hadn't Molly would have left them a long time ago. And now Arthur wanted to divorce her because she had done what she could to make all their lives better!

'No,' Molly said pushing the papers back to the lawyer.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

'Your wife is refusing to sign the papers,' Heap was explaining.

'It's probably hard on her,' Arthur said despite everything wanting to give his wife the benefit of the doubt.

Heap snorted, 'it seemed to me that she wanted to punish you.'

Arthur closed his eyes and tried very hard to bury the pain that threatened to suffocate him. If he felt this bad now, what happened when he was convicted and was sent to the Dementors and had all of those feelings heightened, and everything good in his life stripped from him. Arthur wasn't sure he would be able to survive that for very long.

But now was not the time to think of despair. If he was going to be any use to his children (after how much he had failed them all) he had to be calm in the face of his ultimate doom. He knew that the older ones would be fine by themselves, they had proven that much already. He had sent a letter to his younger brother, beginning him and his wife to take Ron in – hopefully they would be able to straighten Ron out before he destroyed any future he may have had. That left Ginny whom he needed to make sure that she had the best case possible for when she ultimately faced the gallows.

'So how do we proceed?' asked Arthur.

'We have to submit them to the Family Law Courts,' Heap said.

Arthur nodded knowing that whilst the Wizengamot dealt with criminal trials and legalisations the Family Law Courts settled more domestic cases. Usually, divorces, custody battles (of non-nobles) and other such things.

'Don't worry about it,' Heap said. 'I've never heard them refuse divorce proceedings – unless there is a marriage contract which makes things more … complicated.'

'There was never a marriage contract,' Arthur said. 'But doesn't our criminal proceedings make things more complicated.'

'They will,' agreed Heap. 'But it will make it more understandable why you want to end things. They may refer it to the Wizengamot if they consider it a criminal matter. But onto other business; your brother Cadmus Weasley, has received your and the DoMC's request for guardianship of your son.'

Arthur had to swallow at that for two reasons. One it made it real he was really having to give up his son's guardianship. Two, "your son" – not "your youngest son" because Ron was now his only legal child.

'He is coming in this morning to speak to the DoMC and take young Ronald home with him,' Heap said. 'But he wishes to speak to you first.'

Arthur nodded, 'that's fine.'

'Good,' Heap said. 'Because he's waiting outside. I can stay.'

'No, it's okay,' Arthur said.

Heap left and his brother, six years his junior and infinitely more successful entered the meeting room. Cadmus Weasley was thirty-nine years old, his bright red hair just starting to recede and with far less grey in it than Arthur's. Yet, they looked very much alike – same red hair, same blue eyes, same smile according to some. But Cadmus' had a smaller nose and was a full head shorter and considerably more round than Arthur was.

Cadmus had worked for Cleansweep as an enchanter whilst he did his working apprenticeship and gained a Mastery of Enchanting. After completing his contractual five years with the company he had opened his own shop in Diagon Alley focussing on enchanting and selling items. It was relatively successful especially for a blood-traitor and Cadmus Weasley was now considered happily middle class.

Hence, why Cadmus Weasley was considered the "successful one". Not that was difficult between Bilius, who gambled, drank and screwed himself to an early grave at only forty-one and Arthur who had too many children to too little money. Arthur hadn't minded being considered poor and a failure because he had a loving family whom he adored. Only for him to realise it was all a charade – they weren't happy and now they had fractured into a million pieces never to be put back together again.

'Arthur,' Cadmus said sadly.

It had been far too long since they had last seen each other – about two years. Molly had never been overly fond of Cadmus. And Cadmus hated Molly – thought that she was overly controlling and critical. Maybe Arthur should have listened to his little brother. Maybe if he had divorced Molly years ago when the children had been young things would have been better. If he had raised them right Ginny wouldn't have gone along with line theft, the boys wouldn't have fled, and Ron would still be at home with him.

'It's been too long,' Arthur said softly.

Cadmus nodded, 'I read your letter – of course I will take Ron in, but first I have to know did he have anything to do with the line-theft.'

'I don't know,' Arthur admitted. 'But he hasn't been arrested so I hope that means no.'

'Or they don't have any evidence tying him to the crime,' muttered Cadmus. 'What are you going to do?'

'I'm divorcing Molly,' Arthur's voice cracked.

'Finally,' Cadmus said. 'You should have done it years ago.'

'You never did like her,' Arthur said.

'She wouldn't let you see us,' Cadmus said sharply. 'Even when you were dating in Hogwarts, she was possessive and controlling, planning your life without your consent. Do you remember Lynn MacFusty, your best friend, until you started dating Molly who became suspicious and disliked you hanging around with MacFusty – she didn't even like guys. We tried to talk to you, but you were so hopelessly in love nothing would get through to you. I just hoped she would temper out or you would come to your senses. And now she has dragged you into her mess!'

'I'm sorry,' Arthur said.

Cadmus let out a sigh, 'I'm not angry at you, just her. I am just worried about you – your facing life at Azkaban.'

Arthur breathed in sharply. He had been to Azkaban once in his life to visit a wizard who had been convicted on purposefully breaking the International Statue of Secrecy by Muggle Baiting. His accomplices had started up and the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office wanted names.

It was the worst place Arthur had ever been, had left him cold and shaky for a week afterwards. And now he was facing a lifetime in that horrid place. How had it come to this? Was it really clear to everyone else, what Molly Weasley was?

'I know,' Arthur said hoarsely.

'And, what about Ginny?' asked Cadmus. 'Is there any hope she'll be excused?'

Arthur closed his eyes, 'very little – her only hope is being found mentally unfit. I … I just wish I had divorced Molly years ago. Maybe, if I had got the kids away from her when they were young things wouldn't have ended up so disastrously.'

Cadmus didn't say anything. Maybe because there was nothing, he could say to make anything better. Maybe because he agreed with Arthur and knew him saying "I told you so" would be cruel and unfair. Maybe he just didn't know what to say as he watched his big brother's life imploding around him.

'When you see Ron, tell him I love him, tell him I'm sorry,' Arthur begged, '… and don't let him continue on the path he's on. I think he needs a firm hand to guide him away from Molly's teachings.'

Camus nodded, 'I can do that … he may despise me … and you for it … but I can do it.'

~oOo~

Cadmus Weasley made his way through the Ministry to the DoMC where he was meeting with a witch by the name of Ernestine McLaggen. McLaggen was a serious, but kind looking young woman who was wearing a grim expression on her face. Cadmus sat down the opposite her, he wanted to talk to her to find out the truth about what was going on with Ronald Weasley, because if it was anywhere near as bad as Arthur hinted it was bad. And Arthur was obviously biased on behalf of the only son he had left.

'Ms. McLaggen, I need to know what issues Ron has – legal and emotional,' Cadmus said.

'Well legally he has been charged with knowingly receiving stolen money,' McLaggen said. 'Given his age, his upbringing and that he was not the instigator he is unlikely to get much more than probation and community service.'

'And emotionally?' asked Cadmus.

'Now, that's where it gets more complicated,' McLaggen said. 'Firstly, two days ago Mr Weasley was obliviated – obliviation can cause brain damage that can present in multiple different ways. There are no obvious cognitive issues – but I would suggest you take him to see a Healer specialising in the mind. Secondly, I have spoken with Mr Weasley and he his upbringing has left him with a damaging view of what is right and wrong.'

'Meaning?' asked Cadmus.

'It mostly concerns Heir Slytherin,' McLaggen said. 'He knows murder is wrong – but he believes that they are a pest infestation that have to be put down. I was unable to ascertain how far that belief extends – just to the Slytherin family or all Slytherins.

'It was what his mother and Dumbledore taught him. I don't believe your brother knew about it; he was at work most days. I also believe that their mother encouraged them the hide things from those who were not one of them – a common tactic of cults.

'Secondly, Mr Weasley believes that he has the right to take what doesn't belong to him if he believes him to need it more than the owner does. Again, I would suggest you take him to see a Mind Healer to deal with his. I would also say that he should not go anywhere near Heir Slytherin.'

'Is he a danger to my children?' Cadmus asked seriously.

'How old are your children?' asked McLaggen.

'Thirteen, ten and eight,' replied Cadmus.

McLaggen nodded, 'not physically but your nephew may attempt … to re-educate them. I would suggest you make sure he is not alone with your children and talk to them in advance of the things he may say and why he might say such things.'

'Now, I have some papers for you to sign,' McLaggen said.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Ron was scowling as he shovelled down the toast that was provided him. He had stayed overnight in one of the rooms which was transformed into a bedroom overnight for minors who had lost their parents … or been removed from them. It was only a short-term thing until a family member could be found as the Wizarding World did not have a care-system.

Ron wondered what happened if nobody could be found. Were they left to the Muggle orphanages like the one a young He Who Must Not Be Named? Or was some family paid to look after him them because nobody else would.

What would happen to him? His parents had been arrested and his brothers had abandoned them. Maybe one of the other Order members like Doge would take him in. His mother's family wouldn't as they hated his mother. He knew his father had family, but they weren't close, only ever saw each other at weddings, funerals and other such events.

'Mr Weasley your father's brother, Cadmus Weasley, will be arriving shortly – he's just signing the custody papers,' the wizard who had been his caretaker overnight smiled kindly, smile lines creasing around his eyes.

Ron just scowled.

'Miss Bloncourt your mother won't be able to get a Portkey until tomorrow,' the man said.

Ron zoned him out as he spoke to the other four children who also had nowhere to go. Ron hadn't bothered to find out their names and still wasn't interested in that. McLaggen arrived just after Ron had finished his fourth slice of toast. Ron scowled at her.

'Your uncle is here,' smiled the witch. 'When you're finished your breakfast, you can go home with him.'

Ron scowled, 'well I won't be going home will I?'

McLaggen smiled kindly, 'I know this is difficult … and no things won't go back to the way things were, but you'll settle in.'

'I'm finished,' Ron said scowling.

Ron made his way to McLaggen's office where his uncle was seated. He smiled kindly and stood up when Ron entered. Ron, however, just scowled at him. He didn't want to go home with uncle, he wanted his parents and sister.

'I know this is difficult,' Uncle Cadmus said softly. 'But you'll adapt.'

'I want to go home,' muttered Ron.

'You can't,' McLaggen said.

'Can we go,' Ron said.

Uncle Cadmus nodded, 'we will be going back via the Burrow to pick up your things.'

Uncle Cadmus led them downstairs to the public exit of the Ministry of Magic and Apparated them back home. The Burrow looked the same as it always had done. The pigs were snorting and snuffling. The chickens came clucking around their feet looking for feeding. And when they went inside their dishes for their dinner was still in the basin.

'What's going to happen to it?' asked Ron.

'Well, we'll have to sell the animals,' Uncle Cadmus said. 'And clean it up, but I won't touch it aside from that. When you are of age you can decide what to do with it. Now go and pack up – bring whatever you want.'

Ron made his way up to his bedroom and pulled out his old trunk with the faded letters WAW, Bill's old case that Ron had been using since his first year. Bill and Ginny had been the only ones to get their own trunks the rest had used hand-me-downs from one relative or another. Ron stuffed his best robes and clothes in – the ones that he wasn't allowed to wear in case Dad or Slytherin realised they had more money than they were supposed to have but he supposed it didn't matter anymore. Ron didn't bother with his second-hand books but did bring his magazines, posters and the omninoculars Slytherins had bought him last summer.

Finally deliberating he found an old photograph of their whole family and Hermione from last summer, just before Slytherin had arrived. It was they were all together. Before Hermione had been murdered, before his older brothers had betrayed them and before the rest of his family were arrested. But as Ron made his way downstairs couldn't help but wonder where was Dumbledore? Why hadn't he saved them?

'Is that everything?' asked Uncle Cadmus.

Ron nodded.

The kitchen was spotless. His Uncle must have tidied when he was upstairs and packing. Uncle Cadmus was now sitting at the table looking sad. What did he have to be sad about? He still had his family.

'Before we go home, I think we need to talk,' Uncle Cadmus said.

'Your home,' snapped Ron.

Uncle Cadmus sighed, 'it will be your home too, I hope. Ron, I know that your mother and Dumbledore have told you things that are not true, that you believe to be true. I want to help you heal but you have to help myself.'

'They haven't lied to me,' snapped Ron.

Uncle Cadmus raised his eyebrows, 'firstly, Heir Slytherin does not deserve to die.'

'He's evil,' spat Ron.

Uncle Cadmus looked sad, 'why?'

'What?' asked Ron shocked.

'Why is he evil?' asked Uncle Cadmus.

'He's a Slytherin! He's You Know Who's son! Their bloodline is evil!' Ron said angrily.

'So, you think that your blood defines you?' asked Uncle Cadmus coolly. 'That is a very similar belief to the Death Eaters.'

Ron scowled, 'no – he killed Hermione!'

Uncle Cadmus blinked, 'who told you that?'

'Professor Dumbledore,' Ron said crossing his arms.

'Do you have any evidence?' asked Uncle Cadmus.

'They'll have covered it up,' Ron muttered darkly. 'They're evil!'

'Are you sure about that?' asked Uncle Cadmus.

'Yes,' Ron said. 'Who else could it have been?'

'So, murder makes you evil?' asked Uncle Cadmus.

'Yes,' Ron said empathetically.

'So, do you wanting Heir Slytherin dead make you evil?' asked Uncle Cadmus.

'NO!' Ron shouted.

'Why?' asked Uncle Cadmus.

Ron opened and shut his mouth, 'he … they started it!'

Uncle Cadmus raised his eyebrows.

Ron flushed realising how childish he sounded.

Uncle Cadmus sighed, 'you have to realise how … contradictory this sounds but your upbringing is not your fault. However, you are almost an adult now, so you have to start thinking. You will be seeing a therapist, once a week, and we will be speaking to your teachers. Now let's get home.'

They Flooed to Knight Cottage, near Wisbech St. Mary, Cambridgeshire. It was a four-bedroom cottage. They entered into the hallway, made their way through the large open plan living-dining area and into the kitchen. Three red-headed children and their darker haired mother were eating breakfast.

'Hello, Ron,' smiled Aunt Sepphora.

Uncle Cadmus and Aunt Sepphora had three sons all with stupid names – thirteen-year-old Euphemios, ten-year-old Trophimos and eight-year-old Egnatius. Ron sat down and was handed bacon, eggs and sausages.

'Do I really have to share with Eggy?' asked a pouting Trophimos.

Aunt Sepphora gave Trophimos a soft look, 'yes, just until we can install the attic extension.'

After Ron's second breakfast Ron was shown upstairs to where the four bedrooms were. It was the smallest bedroom that had been Eggy's. It was painted Gryffindor red with paintings of cartoon dragons – Charlie would have loved it. Ron put up his Chudley Cannon posters up over the dragons. He then sat down and felt a strange kind of emptiness in his stomach.

.

.

.

After Ron had made it up to his new bedroom Cadmus gathered his children around him. Tro was still complaining that he had to move in with Eggy. Euphie, meanwhile, was writing a letter to his best friends. Cadmus remembered McLaggen's warning to speak to his children about Ron's … issues.

'That's enough Tro,' Cadmus said, 'I know it's hard, but it is much harder for Ron.'

Sepphora placed a hand on his looking worried, 'what happened?'

Cadmus sighed, 'Arthur, Molly and Ginny have been arrested for … theft. Ron has not been arrested, no evidence but this is important he has been taught that being bad is good.'

'That's stupid,' snorted Tro.

'I know,' sighed Cadmus. 'But it's the way it is, but the three of you know better, so if Ron says something that you know to be wrong or is confusing or strange, let us know.'

The three boys nodded but Cadmus was still worried. Ron had issues that Cadmus was concerned about exposing his sons to. Yet, he couldn't turn the boy out onto the streets, not without great cause. Still, he would have to keep an eye on the situation and try and make sure that Ron wasn't left alone with the boys. He explained what had happened to Sepphora who was frowning but nodded.

'If Ron proves to be too much to handle, we have to choose our sons over your nephew,' Sepphora said.

Cadmus nodded, 'I'll have him booked for a therapist appointment as soon as possible … if he's considered a danger he might be hospitalised. For now, we'll just endeavour to prevent Ron from being alone with our boys as much as possible.'

I know several of you want to see Ron punished but at the present time there is no evidence that Ron has done anything more than accept stolen goods (as he wasn't the one who actually committed the embezzlement) which given his age and circumstance he's unlikely to get more than a fine and community service.