ARTHUR WEASLEY TAKES A STAND

"So the story has been told, and it comes now to an end;
It's setting: any era, any land…
When abusive tyrants force the hand of matters great and small,
It inspires men to stand up for their rights!"

Arthur Weasley had just entered his kitchen and put the kettle on for tea, when he heard an incessant tapping sound. With a frown, he reached up and opened the window above the sink, letting the unknown yet familiar looking owl into the kitchen. It perched on the back of a chair and hooted softly at him.

Perplexed, Arthur took the envelope. Seeing his name—in again unknown yet familiar looking handwriting—he opened it and unfolded the parchment inside.

Mr. Arthur Weasley
The Burrow
Ottery St. Catchpole
Devonshire, England

Arthur,

I trust this letter finds you and your family well.

No doubt you are surprised to be receiving a message from me, so I will get right to the point: I need your help, Arthur. Well, more precisely Harry Potter needs your help. I know that our families are not on good terms with one another, and therefore I know you undoubtedly have a good bit of trouble trusting me. All I ask is that you would please meet with Harry and me at the Three Broomsticks to discuss the matter in more detail. I hesitate to say too much in an open letter, as they tend to have a habit of being misdirected.

Andromeda and I are heading home from the Continent this afternoon. If you would be so kind as to reply at your earliest convenience so that I can arrange things with Mr. Potter, it will be most appreciated.

Sincerely,

Cassius Malfoy

Arthur read the letter at least a dozen times. His initial surprise over receiving a letter from Cassius was superseded by his utter shock that Cassius wanted to help Harry. Even after a decade of turning the Malfoy family from dark to grey, Arthur agreed with Cassius that there were still generations of bad blood between the two families. His initial reaction was one of distrust for Cassius, simply because he was a Malfoy. And yet, here he was asking Arthur to help him help Harry.

Arthur sighed and looked out the window at the dawn light. The sun's rays were just beginning to peek above the horizon. He thanked Merlin that for once he'd been up before Molly. It was a very rare thing, him being up first. And knowing Molly, she would have just torn the letter up without even giving it to him. The Prewett's hated the Malfoys even more than the Weasleys did.

But, this involved Harry. Harry was almost like another son to Arthur, and despite his own lingering misgivings about the Malfoys, he couldn't turn his back on Harry.

"Arthur?" A voice said from behind him. "What on earth are you doing up so early, Love?"

Arthur turned around, breathing a sigh of relief as Molly went to the stove and finished making the tea before starting in on breakfast prep, seemingly not noticing the letter he had tried to discreetly shove into his pocket when he heard her voice. Best if I don't mention this to her, he reckoned.

"Eh, just woke up and couldn't go back to sleep. Figured I may as well head to the office early. Got a bit of paperwork to catch up on."

Molly sighed and shook her head. "I still can't believe that horrible Lucius Malfoy was released already. It must be nice to have more money than you know what to do with."

Arthur knew she hadn't meant it as an insult to him, but it still felt a bit like a punch in the gut. Once again, the thousands of galleons he had stashed away sprang to his mind. But if Molly knew the money had come from the Malfoys, she would refuse to touch it. And tell him that he couldn't use it either.

Molly shook her head again. "Lucius should be rotting in Azkaban alongside his psychotic sister-in-law. Damn his brother and those vile Black sisters for getting him released! Next thing you know, they'll probably try and get their sister out as well!"

Arthur was torn. On the one hand, he hated Lucius Malfoy with a level of hatred about equal to his hatred for Theodore Nott Sr. But, Cassius was different. Sure, he was a Malfoy…sure, he was very arrogant…sure, he was a blood purist. But he was civil. He had always been kind to Arthur, especially since the Malfoys considered the Weasleys to be blood traitors. Besides, even though he was a Malfoy, Cassius had stood against You-Know-Who from the beginning, and was still against him to this very day. And that was good enough for Arthur.

He cleared his throat. "Yes, well, Lucius is out now, and we'll just have to make the best of it. I doubt he'll cause any trouble. And no worries on Bellatrix ever being released, my dear. Not after what she did to the poor Longbottoms." He drank the tea Molly gave him then kissed her cheek. "Well, I'm off my love. I'll see you this evening."

By the time he had flooed to the Ministry and arrived at his office, Arthur had decided to meet Cassius and Harry. With a sigh, he sat down and picked up a quill, grabbed some parchment, and wrote out his answer to Cassius. After everything Cassius has done for me in the past, the least I can do is hear what he has to say…

(XXX)

A week and a half later was the next Hogsmead weekend. Harry had gone down to the village with Hermione and Neville…one of the few Gryffiindors who hadn't turned against him. Harry wasn't certain, but he was convinced that Dumbledore had told Professor McGonagall to try and get the other Gryffindors to shun him, in an attempt to drive him back to "their side" and away from the Malfoys.

Or maybe I'm just getting paranoid, Harry wondered. But when he had received a letter from Mr. Malfoy asking Harry to join him and Mr. Weasley on his next Hogsmead visit, Harry had done two things: quickly agreed to meet with the two men, and not told the Headmaster about the meeting. In fact, he had told no one about the meeting…not even Hermione. Hermione was basically of the same mind with him regarding the Malfoys, but still Harry wanted to leave her out if it just in case it went bad. Then she would be in the clear at least. I'll tell her all about it after I meet with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Weasley.

Hermione and Neville were chattering away about what they wanted to do in the village, whilst Harry was smiling and nodding at appropriate places. Inwardly, he was wondering what had changed the headmaster's mind about letting him go into Hogsmead with Sirius Black still running lose. Maybe he's hoping I'll get a good scare and go running to him for help. As if.

When they arrived at the Three Broomsticks, Harry paused. "You two go on into the village, and I'll meet you at Honeydukes in a little while.

Hermione and Neville glanced at each other then back at Harry. "What are you going to be doing, Harry?" Hermione asked.

"I'm going to be meeting with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Weasley about something for a bit," Harry told them cryptically.

Neville paled. "Mr. M-Malfoy?" He stuttered. "He just got out of prison! Harry, everyone knows the Malfoys are a dark family! Everybody says so!"

Hermione rolled her eyes and Harry sighed. "Who's everyone, Nev? Ron and Ginny? Their dad is going to meet with us as well, so you don't have to worry. Besides, Mr. Malfoy as in Draco's uncle, not his dad."

Neville's face got a little of its color back. "Oh…Cassiopeia's dad, not Draco's. Well, he's not as bad, I guess. But he's still a Malfoy."

"Honestly, Neville," Hermione said with another eye roll. "The Malfoys are nowhere near as dark as everyone thinks they are. They're actually quite nice when you get to know them better. Mr. Malfoy even told me that muggleborns had a place in magical society!"

Neville's eyebrows rose. "H-he did?"

"Yes, he did," Hermione replied. "Cassiopeia has been very polite to me all term so far, too. And she is the epitome of a pureblood princess. Even though Draco is only a third year and the twins first years, they basically run Slytherin House because of their family name, and their close connection to Professor Snape. And they've gotten most of the rest of the Slytherins to stop calling me…that disgusting word."

Neville paled again at the name of his most feared professor, and with yet another affectionate eye roll, Hermione took Neville's arm. "Good luck, Harry. We'll see you in a little while. Come on, Neville." Harry watched his two friends head further down the high street of the village, then turned and entered the pub.

Once his eyes had adjusted to the dimness of the pub's interior, Harry found Mr. Weasley sitting alone in a far corner of the pub, sipping what looked like a butterbeer. Harry headed in his direction, and Mr. Weasley gave him a grin and waved.

"Harry!" Arthur said, standing and shaking Harry's hand as he arrived at the table. "Wonderful to see you again! How are you?"

"Doing well, sir, thank you," replied Harry. He didn't want to say much, as he was not certain what all Mr. Weasley had already heard from his children. He slid into a seat across from Mr. Weasley. "Mr. Malfoy isn't here yet?"

Arthur shook his head. "No, but I expect him any moment." Arthur took another sip of his drink. "Do you know what this is all about, Harry?"

"No, not exactly, sir. I have an idea, but I think I should wait for Mr. Malfoy and let him explain." Harry gave his drink order to the waitress who had appeared at their table soon after he sat down. As she walked off to get the drink, Mr. Malfoy strode into the pub, heading their direction as soon as he spotted them.

"Aruthur," he said, shaking the man's hand before extending his hand to Harry and shaking it as well. "Mr. Potter." He sat down at the head of the table. "I deeply apologize for being late, gentlemen. I was unexpectedly delayed at the Ministry." The girl returned with Harry's drink and Cassius also requested a butterbeer. Once the girl had returned with his drink, Cassius and Arthur both cast muffliatos for extra caution and privacy.

If anyone sees me in here with Cassius, Molly will definitely find out. He gulped, and the thought made his heart speed up a bit.

"You're probably wondering why I asked you to meet with us, Arthur," Cassius began after taking a drink.

"I must admit I am very curious," the man replied. "It's not every day that Malfoys send Weasleys friendly letters asking for their help. You said it's got something to do with Harry, yes?"

Cassius smiled. I bet that's the only reason he showed up today. "Yes. Now, please listen to all I have to say before commenting, Arthur. It's a rather long and not very pleasant story." He took one big swig of his butterbeer before continuing. "Best to start at the beginning…I am attempting to have Dumbledore removed as Harry's magical guardian."

Cassius was watching Arthur's face for a reaction, and sure enough he saw one. He opened his mouth to speak, but Cassius held up a hand. "Please Arthur, let us tell you everything first. Then you can ask whatever things you wish."

Harry noticed Mr. Weasley pause for a second or too, then with a sigh he pursed his lips and nodded.

Cassius began his explanation, and as he went on he was pleased to see the expression on Arthur's face morph from one of disbelief into one of shock, then horror, finally ending in anger. Cassius had Harry step in at several pertinent points and tell the story of his mistreatment at the hands of the Dursleys, and Dumbledore's refusal to do anything to stop it.

When they were finally done talking, the color of Arthur's face matched that of his hair. He was furious! There were so many thoughts swirling around his head that he could barely process them all. However, the two clearest thoughts were: How dare Dumbledore leave harry with those…those animals! Outrageous! And: Oh dear…Molly will be very displeased about this.

Cassius was still watching Arthur's face closely. And though he had no idea what the man was thinking, he was pretty certain that the one thing holding him back from agreeing to help get Harry out of the Dursley's clutches, was how Mrs. Weasley would respond. And Cassius had a pretty good idea she'd respond in a rather hostile manner. Time to sweeten the pot a bit.

"Arthur, I know how you feel about the Headmaster. And please believe me when I say I don't hate the man either. I mean, we have our obviously differing…ideologies, of course. But I've never wished any ill will to the man. Yet, my family and I are exceedingly concerned and indignant over Harry's treatment. And we feel it is time for Harry to be free of that abusive environment he's spent his entire life in. We think perhaps, Dumbledore is getting senile to at least a small extent. I'm certain he'd never allow Harry to be tormented all his life, just to serve the greater good. So he must be getting senile. During her career at St. Mungos , Andromeda has encountered several instances of children who have suffered abuse and malnutrition. Harry is actually one of the lucky ones compared to some she's seen."

Harry felt a surge of anger. If I'm 'lucky', after the way I was treated growing up, then Merlin help those poor kids!

Now to nicely bring up Molly without sounding like I'm insulting him by implying that he's weak. "And I know Molly loves Dumbledore as well. But I'm sure that once you explain the situation to her, she'll come around. I'm certain Harry would even be willing to talk to her with you, if you'd like."

Harry gave Mr. Weasley a smile. "Yes, I definitely would, Mr. Weasley. I feel as though your wife was a second mother to me, and I'm sure if she knew she'd agree that this is for the best."

Cassius couldn't help the smirk that appeared on his face. This boy should have been in Slytherin…

Harry knew he was laying it on a bit thick, but at the same time he really did look at Mrs. Weasley as a second mum. And he so badly wanted to get away from the Dursleys…

Arthur looked almost at the point of agreement now. So Cassius played his last ace, hoping it would win the round. "I am even willing to drop over and help you enhance the wards around the Burrow. I learned a few rather powerful defensive spells during my years among the Nordic shamans when I was living in Scandinavia. I've used at Malfoy Manor. I would let you use them and change it to adapt to your own wards."

Arthur's face lit up. "Would you really?"

Got you. "Of course I would, Arthur. I can justify helping…eh…'blood traitors' out by saying it was for Harry as well. There are several blood purist families who are very supportive of Mr. Potter, so I know it would work."

Both Arthur and Harry stared at Cassius, their mouths hanging open. "It's true. It is common knowledge amongst us all that the Dark Lord was a half-blood himself. That was one of the main reasons I opposed him from the beginning."

This news shocked Arthur, and cheered Harry. That explains a lot about how they treated me at the funeral. Harry frowned. And also puts the lie to Dumbledore's anti-pureblood rhetoric.

After another few moments of silences as Arthur looked back and forth between Harry and Cassius, Arthur stood and held out his hand, beaming a smile. "It's a deal!"

With a rather sly smile, Cassius shook his hand. "Thank you, Arthur. With your help I am sure we will win our case."

And while Arthur had not noticed the look on Cassius face, Harry had noticed it. I think I can learn a lot from Mr. Malfoy…

(XXX)

Two months had passed since Cassius, Andromeda, and Lyra had returned from Monaco. Spring was just beginning to make its presence felt in the air. Lucius continued to make progress in both his physical and emotional recovery. The search for Sirius continued in full swing, with Dementors remaining stationed around Hogwarts. Cassius, still furious about this after several reports of students unexpectedly encountering the foul creatures, continued to push for their removal. But it was to no avail…his demands fell on deaf ears at the Ministry, and he failed to rally enough of the other Hogwarts governors to his point of view.

Draco had reported that currently no one in Slytherin House was attempting to bully the twins. It seemed that their warning to Nott was, for the moment, still holding the boy back from further defamatory words directed at any of the Malfoys. However, Cassiopeia's altercations with Ginny Weasley had increased.

Andromeda wondered about that. The others all seemed to cast it off as the typical "Malfoy/Weasley feud". But a singular thought began to make itself known from a distant corner of Andromeda's mind, demanding her attention. She decided to ask Cassiopeia about her encounters with the female Weasley spawn when she was home for the summer…and before Harry arrived.

For indeed, Harry would be spending half the summer at Malfoy Manor. The Wizengamot held a special session a week after Arthur had agreed to help Cassius get Harry away from the Dursleys. Dumbledore tried to use his position as Chief Warlock, and attempted to have the matter dismissed out of hand and not even allow it to come to a vote.

Cassius had anticipated this move on the Headmasters part, however, and invoked Statute 394, forcing Dumbledore to recuse himself as Chief Warlock because he was a party to the issue at hand. Amelia Bones filled in as presiding judge for the hearing. And once all the evidence was presented, the Wizengamot voted to remove Dumbledore as Harry's magical guardian, and let Harry stay with the Weasleys and Malfoys. The vote was by a wider margin than Cassius had anticipated. For after he and Harry given their testimony, and Harry had documented in great detail what his treatment at the hands of the Dursleys had been like over the years, many of the Lighsiders and all of the Neutral block had voted in Cassius's favor. Most of the darker members had abstained, although a few had voted for Cassius motion. Probably thinking that the Malfoys had ulterior motives against the Boy-Who-Lived.

Cassius did indeed have ulterior motives, but not for harming Harry. He kept his plans to himself for the moment, however.

After the hearing, Arthur left to take Harry back to Hogwarts. It had been agreed that Harry would go home with the Weasleys when school ended, and Arthur and Cassius would meet in Diagon Alley to exchange Harry in August; Harry would then accompany the Malfoys back to the Express at start of next term.

Cassius had stayed behind to discuss some things with William Greengrass and a couple others. As he and William were leaving the chamber, Dumbledore approached. Cassius could almost feel the anger radiating off the aged Headmaster even from a distance. The old man's expression was livid, and his eyes hard. And from the sleeves of his robes, Cassius swore Dumbledore was clenching his fists.

"I don't know what game you're playing, Cassius. You may have succeeded today, but I will be keeping a close eye on you, and I will find out what you're up to." He stepped closer, until his and Cassius' faces were only a few inches apart. "You will find me a formidable enemy, Mr. Malfoy." He said it in a growl, his teeth clenched. Cassius had never seen Dumbledore so angry…he was almost afraid of Dumbledore.

But he didn't let it show, instead sending his own glare back at Dumbledore. Cassius' voice was cold as he replied, "I am aware of that fact, sir. And I trust you are aware of the reverse."

The two men held one another's gaze for several moments before Cassius gave Dumbledore a nod. "Good day, Headmaster." He and Will turned and exited the chamber, leaving a frustrated and still fuming Dumbledore behind.

As soon as they were in the corridor outside, Will burst out laughing. "Oh Merlin, I've never seen the old man that angry before! This is definitely a first: Dumbledore's plans completely thwarted! I'm glad I lived long enough to witness it!"

"Yes, but I am quite certain we haven't heard the last of this. That old man is like a Hippogriff when he's riled. But I doubt even the great Dumbledore would be foolish enough to open a two-front war. Arthur is the only weak link in this. The old man can't get at Harry whilst he's at Malfoy Manor, since he still hasn't figured out a way past the ward enhancements. So either he'll try something before Harry leaves for the summer holidays, or get to Arthur by using Molly." He shook his head. "Sometimes that woman reminds me of a light side Bellatrix."

Will barked out another laugh. "Yes, I almost pity poor Arthur once Molly finds out what's he's done. She's one of the most blindly devoted to the old man out of those idiotic light families. Heh, your comment about Bellatrix reminds me…I've always said that Dumbledore is just the Light version of the Dark Lord: he manipulates, he cajoles, he blackmails, he withholds important information from his followers, he uses people like pawns. I just don't understand how they can be so blinded by his twinkling eyes." Will shook his head.

Cassius sighed. "I think I'm ready for most anything he may try to pull. I think. But one never knows with that old man. We'd best keep our ears open for anything suspicious on the part of anyone closely associated with him. We have many contacts inside Hogwarts, not to mention the six pairs of eyes in our own families. The children will keep an eye out at school and let us know immediately if anything happens. And I am going to add some extra protections for Harry as well." A grim smile formed on his face. "It should turn out to be a very interesting summer."

(XXX)

It was a Thursday evening, early in April. Narcissa wanted to have a small celebration for Lucius' third month of freedom. It was slated for that night, but Cassius managed to convince Narcissa to move it forward a couple of days to April 8th, as that would be the actual three month anniversary of Lucius' release.

After dinner, they moved into the sitting room. Narcissa and Andromeda had tea and Cassius had wine. Lucius was nursing a small glass of brandy. Cassius sighed, setting his cup down. "There is something I need to discuss with you all," he announced. "And it is also why I didn't want your celebration to be this evening, Cissa. What I have to say is for the four of us alone, and very soon your mother as well." He said it in a soft tone of voice, but there was an underlying hardness to his tone as well. Three sets of eyes shot to his face, but everyone remained silent.

Cassius sighed again before continuing. "I have acquired the last thing I needed in order to achieve your older sister's removal from Azkaban. I am going there tomorrow morning to fetch her and bring her back with me. It is time for Bella to come home." He paused for effect and took a sip of wine.

Lucius choked on his brandy and went into a coughing fit. A small gasp escaped Narcissa, and Andromeda raised her eyebrows.

"B-Bellatrix?" Lucius spluttered. "Coming here?" His eyes widened and he looked like a panic attack was imminent. Narcissa placed her hand on his arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. Lucius sent her a terrifed glance, and when she smiled back at him he relaxed a little.

Andromeda put her own hand on Cassius's arm. "I know we discussed it a few months ago, but is it the right moment to be doing this, Cass? Especially since Harry will be staying with us for the last half of the Summer holidays? You know how Bella felt about the Dark Lord." And I'm not at all certain I want my crazy sister around the children, either. The thought was in her mind but she didn't say it aloud.

With a grim smile and determined gleam in his eyes, Cassius nodded. "It's the right moment to rescue her. The stars and the magics indicate it heavily. I'd love to see the look on that idiot Fudge's face when he realizes she's gone. But with any luck, no one will ever realize she's gone. Even if they somehow did, by the time anyone tried to track her down, the trail will have grown cold."

Cassius went over the plan again, convinced that it was almost flawless. But he had seen more than enough in his life and travels to know that no plan is ever truly flawless…there's always something you missed, and someone who might exploit it. And he also noticed the worry in his wife's eyes, and he placed his hand atop hers. "Severus has every confidence that you and he can have her sane enough by the time the children and Mr. Potter arrive."

Narcissa scoffed. "Severus just wants his lover out of prison and in his arms again. He thinks things will just pick up again from where they left off before Bella was imprisoned. She'd never marry a half-blood. She's too much like father was."

"We won't know the full extent of the damage Azkaban caused her mind until we can examine her in person, Cass," Andromeda said. She and Narcissa exchanged a glance. "Cissy and I are concerned over how much further her mind may have descended into madness. We are just worried for the children's safety as well as Harry's once he arrives.

Cassius smile at his wife. "I understand, my Love. The thought did cross my own mind a few times at first, but I truly feel this is the best window of opportunity to get your sister out of that vile place. Severus and I have discussed it at great lengths over the last few days, and he is of the same mind as I on this."

Narcissa scoffed again and rolled her eyes.

Cassius smirked at her. "And yes, Cissa, he is very aware that things will not be as they were before. You should know Severus well enough after all these years to understand he'd never allow his past relationship with Bella to cloud his logical mind to the point he'd put literally all of magical Britain at potential risk by freeing her from Azkaban just because of whatever he may still feel for her."

Lucius had remained silent throughout the conversation. Narcissa glanced at him and noted the look of near panic that still covered his face before turning back to Cassius. "What precautions are you planning to take to ensure everyone's safety once Bella is here, Cass?" Both her expression and tone of voice indicated she remained rather dubious about Snape's true intentions were.

Cassius set his wine down and sat back with a sigh. "I plan on confining her to the west wing until we are certain she is functional. That will give Dromeda and Severus the space and time they need to conduct their examination and treatments. The west wing will be heavily warded against both her escaping and anyone outside detecting her presence here."

Narcissa glanced at Andromeda again before looking at Lucius. She and Lucius held one another's gaze a moment before Lucius gave a sad smile and looked down at the table. Narcissa looked back over at Andromeda a second before giving a nod. Andromeda turned to Cassius.

"All right then, Cass. Go save our big sister."

A/N: First, let me apologize…none of the Malfoy kids were in this chapter They'll be back next chapter, though. Hope you enjoyed, and thanks for all the support you've given this story!