Chapter 14

"The wrong side? … Was anybody hurt? … That's good … You're welcome. I'll try… Bye." Harry hung up the telephone as the Grangers looked on expectantly.

Emma broke the silence. "How are they getting along, Harry?"

Harry looked at the three of them for a moment and wished that they had been his family as he had been growing up. He replied, "Fine. Uncle Vernon got a good position at a drill making firm in Richmond, Indiana. Dudley will start his last year at the local school in about a month. He got in a small auto accident. Petunia is doing some volunteer work with the church that they joined, and they like the house. It has a large back garden, and they're safe, so they'll be OK."

A tiny piece of Emma had originally wished that Harry had made similar arrangements for her and Dan, but her rational half was very grateful that they were where they were. She was glad to be helping as they could, but wished that she could be doing more.

… --- …

As Harry was talking with Petunia, Abraxan and newly appointed MLE director John Thomas made a brief visit to Azkaban Island accompanied by half of the Aurors and Unspeakables. As Harry had told her, the dementors had returned to the island. She directed the Unspeakables to ward the island to notify them if anyone including the dementors came to or left the island.

Not knowing if they understood her or not, she told them that they were to remain on the island and that they would be hunted down if they went anywhere else. She chose her words carefully. The 132 remaining dementors lined up a respectful distance away from her so they could be counted, then floated back into the ancient fortress.

The decomposing bodies of the death eaters who had died in the different battles remained visible. Counting her blessings, they got back on the ferryboat and left.

The wizarding world needed some good news and she seemingly had some to give. She would have to decide when to release it and instructed the Aurors not to mention where they had been.

On the way back Abraxan told Thomas, "I have a very sensitive task for you to do Saturday."

… --- …

Alyx and the other three Auror cadets were given the rest of the week off so that the program could be regrouped after the recent deaths of the instructors. Hermione and her parents invited her to stay at Harry's home for the rest of the summer. Her rented room had been destroyed in the Hogsmede raid.

She was hesitant, not wanting to intrude, and not certain if Mr. Potter would extend the same welcome. Dan assured her that the offer was sincere.

… --- …

Saturday morning, Kingsley knocked on the door and was shown in by Dobby. Harry had just gotten dressed and was plodding into the kitchen for a cup of coffee when he saw the large Auror. Kingsley was polite but oddly formal when he spoke, "I've been asked to escort you to the Minister's office Harry. Please finish getting dressed. We need to leave in ten minutes."

"OK. What's up?"

Shacklebolt was very noncommittal in his response. "She didn't say."

… --- …

While Kingsley was busy collecting Harry, Thomas was in the holding cells talking with Ron. Abraxan had prefaced her request with the acknowledgement that while a million things could go wrong, and they would do best to keep it quiet, it felt like the right thing to do.

Thomas found Ron sitting at the side of his bunk in the holding cell. He held out two locking bracelets, looked at the lanky teen for a moment and said, "This is an anti-apparation bracelet. The other one will stun you if I activate it. Put them on, one on each wrist. The Minister is giving you a two-hour pass and suggested that you and your friend Mr. Potter might wish to visit your sister's grave and perhaps visit the castle for a short session on your broomsticks."

Ron initially had a confused look on his face. He had expected to be called on like this and to be led through the veil. He looked back at Thomas and said, "What?"

Thomas repeated his offer, "Would you like to go out for the morning with your friend?"

Ron could barely believe his ears. He looked at the thin squared away man with the military style hair and said, "Yes sir!"

"Here's some suitable clothing. I will only tell you once. Should you make any attempt to escape, it will be the last thing that you do. Are we clear on this point?"

"Yes sir."

"You have fifteen minutes to get cleaned up and dressed. If you're late, it's on your time."

Ron was led out of the cell and into the bathroom. There was a towel, plastic razor, soap, shampoo and deodorant on the sink. He very quickly showered and the rest and put the clothing on. Thomas was waiting outside.

When they got to the Ministry Kingsley said, "Before we take you to Ron, there's something else you can do for him. Minister Abraxan said she mentioned this the other day." Harry recalled his conversation with the minister and nodded. "I'm taking you to see our memory modification group. They'll explain when you get there.

Kingsley made the introductions. "Mr. Potter this is Professor Steve Light. Please have a seat."

Steve explained, "Mr. Potter, the process of memory modification can be tricky. It's relatively easy to Obliviate specific memories, but in these cases we're removing major portions of the subjects' experiences. The hardest part is adding new memories, and it's most difficult of all for purebloods who have almost no muggle knowledge. It's much easier if we have muggle memories to work with, especially from someone of similar age. That's where you come in. Take this pensive and put as many memories of living as a muggle in it as you can. Remember, there can't be any magic in any of them."

Harry swallowed nervously. He did not enjoy reliving his time with the Dursleys, but this was a way he could help out Ron. Ron had been enormously helpful to him in his adjustment to the wizarding world and now he could return the favor. He took the pensive and went into the other room. A few minutes later he was finished and Kingsley took him back to the lobby.

… --- …

Ron saw Harry waiting in the lobby. He was holding three Nimbus 2000 brooms that Kingsley had lent him. They were the standard issue Auror model. Harry was racking his brain trying to find something to say that wouldn't sound stupid, morose, or sickly sweet, and Ron knew that Harry was no wordsmith.

As they broke from a brief 'manly hug' Ron spoke first. "Harry, don't apologize and don't be too upset. Let me be Gryffindor. I screwed up and I accept the consequences. Let's go have a good morning together."

They took the portkey to the cemetery outside of Ottery St. Catchpole. They were the only people there. The two of them walked to the fresh graves with Thomas a respectful distance behind. The first one read Percy Ingatious Weasley 1976 – 1997 - Beloved son - A man of principle. Ron said, "Stupid git. A man of principle. He was too pig headed to ever admit that he was wrong." Harry didn't say anything. He was staring at the other marker. It read Ginevra Molly Weasley 1981 – 1997 - Beloved daughter – Spirited friend.

Ron asked, "Were you at the service?"

Harry shook his head and said, "Hospital wing."

Thomas conjured a handful of long stemmed fresh roses and handed them to the teens. Harry kneeled down and gently laid his in front of Ginny's stone. Ron set some in front of Percy's and waited until Harry got back up and did the same to Ginny's. He glanced over and noticed that there was vacant space next to her grave. He looked nervously at Harry and asked, "Harry, do you think mum'll…"

Harry realized his friend's misunderstanding of his anticipated sentence and said, "No Ron. I think they'll just snap your wand and do some sort of memory modification. I think you'll be living free as a muggle in Melbourne."

Ron was silent for a minute then said, "I suppose that beats spending twenty years in Azkaban." Harry was surprised that Ron would compare the two so closely. Then Ron asked, "How's Hermione?"

Harry replied, "She's OK. They're still living at…"

Ron nodded his head and said, "That's good."

They stood there in silence for a minute then Ron said, "Make sure she stays all right Harry. Do what you can, will you?"

Harry nodded at his friend and said, "I promise."

Ron turned back to the graves and gave them a last look and said, "Let's go flying."

… --- …

Minerva looked out her window, saw the activity on the Quidditch pitch and went out to investigate. Arabella, Vector and Hooch joined her. Half way out they saw who was there and hurried their pace.

In her strict Professor voice she greeted them. "Good morning Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter. Perhaps you can explain…"

Thomas walked up and said, "Good morning Professor. He handed her the note from Minister Abraxan. She quickly read it, thought for a moment and said, "Staff, it appears that these three have invited us to a short pickup game of Quidditch."

McGonagall quickly summoned three brooms out of the storage shed and the magical megaphone. "Arabella would you care to be the announcer?"

They quickly got ready for the pickup game and Arabella got a life wish by being the announcer of a Quidditch game.

They just played the quaffle as they weren't playing with pads or gloves. The staff had the quaffle first. Minerva passed to Hooch who gracefully dodged past Thomas and threw the quaffle at the right hoop. She was a graceful flyer. Ron caught it easily and tossed the quaffle to Thomas. John flew up about half way until he was blocked by McGonagall. He tossed the ball to Harry who tried to catch it. The quaffle was intercepted by Hooch. She quickly flew past Thomas and just managed to throw it before Harry caught up with her.

Ron made another very good save and tossed the ball to Harry.

As Arabella was announcing the game using the magical megaphone, Hagrid and Poppy heard the sound and immediately walked to the Quidditch field to see what was going on. They sat by Figg in the stands watching the game. Like everyone in the Order, they knew of Ron's pending hearing and were surprised to see him there. The sight of the uniformed Auror and the prisoner bracelets on Ron's wrists clarified the situation for the gentle man who recognized the anti-apparation bracelet from his own time in Azkaban. Hagrid looked down to the other end of the field as Harry launched a shot that went past Vector. He waved to Ron who gave a brief wave back.

Too soon the hour was up and Figg called time. They landed and Harry walked to one end of the field with Thomas as Ron went to say his goodbyes to the Professors.

Professor Vector and Arabella stood to the side as McGonagall, Hooch and Hagrid went down to see Ron. Hagrid wasn't a man of many elegant words, but threw Ron into one of his massive hugs.

After a moment Ron shook himself loose and Madam Hooch said, "I'm sorry Mr. Weasley..."

Ron cut her off saying, "Madam Hooch, I screwed up badly and a Gryffindor admits his mistakes and faces his destiny. Thank you for the flying lessons and refereeing all of the games. I appreciate the time that you took with me over the years. Besides, we won our last game."

Tears had welled in her eyes; she nodded and took a few steps back.

Ron held out his hand to McGonagall, looked at her a moment and said, "Thank you Professor, both for the good game and everything."

Minerva reached up and gave the lanky teen a hug and said, "I'm proud to know you as a student and as a friend, Ron. I'll never forget you." Like the others, her eyes dazzled with unshed tears.

Ron nodded. He had a huge lump in his throat. He managed to say, "Take good care of the school, Professor." He looked at the Master Healer and said, "Take good care of Harry for me. He'll need your help."

He turned to look at Director Thomas who nodded. As Ron started to walk towards the Auror and Harry, he turned one last time to the Professors and said, "Bye."

Thomas took out a length of string and handed one end to Ron. He took the other end and tapped the middle with his wand. Harry was sobbing as he watched his best friend vanish.

… --- …

Ah hour later Harry opened the back door and was greeted with the usual hug around the waist by Dobby. After numerous greetings from the little elf, Harry saw Hermione and the others waiting off to the side. Hermione saw that he'd been crying and asked, "What did you have to do?"

Harry said, "Minister Abraxan gave him a pass for the morning. The new MLE Director took us to see Ginny and Percy's graves for a visit. He still had some time left so he took us to the castle and we went flying for a bit. The school staff that was there challenged us to a pickup match and we played Quidditch for an hour.

"What a foolish way to spend…" As soon as she said them, Hermione regretted her words.

"Don't say it dear," said Dan cutting his daughter off. Instead he asked, "Did you win?"

"70 to nil," said Harry realizing that Dan understood how much the game must have meant to the two friends.

"That's good," said Dan. "Let's go out and get something to eat. My treat." The six of them squeezed into Dan's car and they went to Harrods because they wanted to do a bit of shopping too. They had scotch eggs and pub pies.

As lunch was winding down, Alyx asked, "What's he like?"

Harry asked, "Who?"

"John Thomas. I've never seem him"

Emma sniggered and muttered, "I hope his middle name isn't Willie. Sorry dears." She bit her lip. "So who is he?"

Harry said, "Minister Abraxan appointed him as the Director of the Magical Law Enforcement group. He was with the SAS and said that he was on loan from Brisbane."

Dan asked, "Is he a wizard? Why would he be working with the Queen's military?"

Harry replied, "He's a wizard. I don't know what he was doing in the army. Maybe checking to see if any dark wizards had snuck in."

After lunch Harry went into one of the departments to shop and met back with everyone a few minutes later.

When they got back, Harry's phoenix Brigid was waiting at her perch with a message for them. Hermione opened it and looked at Harry who was stroking the magnificent bird. Harry asked, "What's up?"

She said, "It's from Mr. Weasley inviting my parents and us over for lunch tomorrow. Ron will be there. Did you know about this?"

Harry nodded and said, "I helped arrange it."

… --- …

While Harry had been flying with Ron, Remus was helping Tonks sort through her parents' things at their home. They made three piles – things to banish, things for charity and a few keepsakes that Tonks needed to keep. Remus was a big help as he listened to the stories behind some of the items.

As they were sorting through her parent's things, Tonks said, "I was a crappy daughter."

As he had lost his parents when he was about five years younger than Tonks, Remus hadn't had any experience of relating to his parents on an adult-adult level. He gently asked, "Why would you say that?"

She looked into his grey eyes and replied, "I didn't spend much time with them in the last few years."

"Perhaps not, but they were proud that you were making your own life. I had a chance to talk with them at the wedding."

"I always thought I'd have years to visit with them and bring grandchildren over to…"

He could see the tears welled in her eyes and dabbed them away with his handkerchief. A moment later her replied, "I don't think I can father children, Dora… Not that you asked me to."

She gave her lover an exasperated look and replied, "Remus, almost any man can get a woman pregnant. It takes a special man to be a father. We'll work it out. This is a pretty nice home. Would you like for us to live here?"

"It does have more room than my cottage in Sherwood or your flat in Piccadilly. I'd be happy anywhere if I can be with you."

She smiled at his reply, toyed with the buttons on his shirt and said, "Remus, make an honest woman out of me. Let's get married."

Her words were the sweetest sound he'd ever heard. How could he have been in Gryffindor if he didn't even have the courage to ask the woman that he loved to marry him? He replied, "Oh gods, yes. Yes. Thank you. I'll be a good husband and if we can find a way, I'll be a good father. I promise you with all my heart. I love you so much, I don't know what to say.

Tonks' hair had gone electric blue. Racing to get him unbuttoned she said, "Get out of those and show me what that monster can do."

… --- …

Sunday morning looked to be another bright sunny day. Harry got up early and looked at the papers. Reading the Daily Prophet, one would get the impression that lawn bowling and the summer league Quidditch matches were the only newsworthy events. There was only a small article about the new MLE Director, Thomas. It was as if the entire staff of the paper had been subjected to an over-strong cheering charm.

The Quibbler reported that the dementors had been sighted and counted in Azkaban. There was another article about the rebuilding in Hogsmeade. Neither paper brought up anything about Ron's outing.

Soon Harry was joined by Susan and the Grangers. "Morning Harry," said Susan.

"Hi Susan," said Harry, putting the papers down.

"Still famous?" She asked with a smirk on her face.

"Not today. Not a mention," Harry replied smiling back at her.

"Do you mind?" she asked, a lot more seriously.

Harry thought for a moment and said, "I don't really care as long as it's mostly the truth. Everyone colors a story somewhat, but I don't like outright lies."

Susan nodded and replied, "Auntie used to say about the same thing."

"Where's Alyx?" asked Hermione.

"She went to visit some friends in Brighton," replied Susan.

"What are your plans for the day?" asked Emma.

Susan replied, "I'm going to visit Hanna."

Harry nodded and said, "I went and visited Ginny and Percy's graves yesterday. I felt…

"Less hurt?" asked Emma.

Harry nodded. Hermione added, "I miss her too." She looked into his eyes for a moment and nodded.

"The Weasleys invited us over," said Hermione.

Dan shook his head a fraction of an inch and Emma said, "I think Dan and I will stay here. You two should go."

"What time?" asked Harry.

"They said to come about ten."

… --- …

They arrived at the Weasley's and it was as Harry remembered it. Ron was trying out Fred and George's latest jokes. Bill and Fleur were talking to Arthur while Charlie was talking to Mrs. Weasley. Fleur was pregnant.

"Hey mate," said Ron as they walked over. "I was telling Fred and George that you made a decent chaser."

"So did McGonagall. I was impressed," replied Harry, noticing that Hermione was hanging back a bit. He went over to see Bill and Fleur, leaving Ron to talk with Hermione.

"Hello Harry," said Bill. "We want to thank you for the help that you were able to get for Ron. The law really stinks, but it was put in place to prevent all of the Death Eaters from worming out of any punishments after paying Fudge off. For us it was a double-edged sword. Griphook came by and talked with me yesterday."

Harry shook his head slightly, but Bill continued anyway. "Harry set up a huge fund for Ron to meet his living expenses for years and get him set up in a business of his own if he wants to after he graduates."

"Thank you Harry," said Arthur. He'd been worried that Ron wouldn't have the funds to support himself.

"Please don't mention it Mr. Weasley. I just wanted to help." He handed them all matching wrist watches and said, "I got these for all of us. Ron's has the same face as ours. Whenever we look at it, we'll know that even though he's far away, he's seeing the same thing."

"Thanks Harry," said Charlie. "It's brilliant."

After they were done, Arthur pulled Harry aside and said, "Molly wanted to have a few words with you and Hermione. I'll go get her."

"OK," replied Harry. "I'll be there in a few minutes." He could talk with Mrs. Weasley anytime, but knew that the clock to see Ron was rapidly ticking.

… --- …

While Ron was spending some time with his brothers and Harry a man knocked on the front door.

Molly answered the door and showed him in.

A friendly looking wizard was at the door. He greeted her saying, "Good afternoon. My name is Chet Winthrop from the Australian Ministry in Victoria. I will be Ron's Observer in the Melbourne Amnesia Recovery Center for a month."

Molly led him to the kitchen table along with Arthur. Hermione started to leave, but Molly asked her to stay. She poured him some tea and he began with his presentation.

Taking the cup he began, "Thank you. As I said, Ron will start his new life in Australia living in Melbourne, Victoria. It will begin with a crash course in muggle living under the guise of a memory therapy program followed by a few months stay at a halfway house until start of school term in January. His memory will be checked several times during that period to be certain that the obliviation and memory modifications were successful. Mr. Potter has generously provided Ron with sufficient funding to start a small business after he graduates and meet his living expenses for many years to come. Barclays has an account manager that will meet with Ron from time to time." Molly wasn't aware of this and just nodded. Harry was such a good friend to her family.

Winthrop continued. "He will be attending Scotch College in Victoria and enrolled as a year twelve student. It is a small private boarding school with about 250 men and women in his year. The year should help him attain the skills that he will need to successfully live in the nonmagical world. The students all take the VCE exams and the pass rate has been 100 percent for many years."

Arthur asked, "What courses will he study? Surely he won't be taking potions?" Hermione gave him an exasperated look.

Winthrop replied, "He will take computer training, chemistry, literature, environmental science, accounting, and physical education. He will have the opportunity to play on any of the sport teams to the degree that he wishes. Meals and laundry service will be provided. There is also a home economics class during the final semester that covers how to live in a flat, manage a checkbook, shopping and day to day activities. Should he have the desire to, he would be prepared to attend post secondary school at a university."

Seeing Hermione nod he continued. "Some of the subjects aren't all that different from potions and herbology. Computer training and literature will help him be a well-rounded person. The accounting course has two units – The first is accounting and financial management of a small business. The second is operation of a small business. Both should be useful for him in the future."

Seeing Molly's concerned look he concluded saying, "The wizarding world isn't just chucking him over the side Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. In my observation, Ron is being given every possible opportunity to live a happy productive life. I'll send you periodic reports on his progress."

"What will he need to bring?" asked Molly? "We don't know too much about muggle artifacts." Arthur gave her a wounded look, but in truth, his fascination with batteries and plugs wouldn't do much to help his son.

"He'll need a trunk, clothing, pens, notebooks, a calculator, and personal items. A laptop computer is optional."

"My parents and I can get those," said Hermione. When will…" She couldn't say it.

Winthrop replied, "Assuming that Minister Abraxan doesn't change her sentencing recommendation on Monday, Ron will spend Tuesday and Wednesday at St. Mungo's and will take the noon flight from Heathrow to Sydney and another flight from Sydney to Melbourne. He will be granted Australian citizenship on his 18th birthday. Here are the specifications for his school trunk. You will need to deliver it to me at the Ministry sometime on Tuesday. It will be inspected for any trace magic or contraband and he will take it with him on the flight."

Winthrop continued. "While he is at the Amnesia Center, I will purchase his school uniforms and anything else that he needs. He will believe himself to be a rather wealthy orphan."

Molly gave Harry a strange look and asked, "When will he be allowed to come home?"

This was the question that Winthrop always dreaded answering. "Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Ron won't be allowed to return to Britain. Britain has had a policy of deporting her convicts for hundreds of years. Your Ministry never removed it as an option. In this case, Ron has a very wealthy and influential friend. Most convicts are simply obliviated and deported penniless. Most commit suicide with a year. Mr. Potter convinced the Minister to take extraordinary measures to ensure Ron's long-term success."

Molly stood and said, "Thank you for coming over Mr. Winthrop. I think we'll spend some time with our son now."

… --- …

Molly sat through the hearing in silence. The hypocrisy of the hearing hit her like a freight train. Killers had been routinely sent to Azkaban in this very courtroom. This courtroom that had been used to judge ruthless killers, Harry Potter and now her son. She admitted that he'd killed a person, but he represented no future threat to wizarding society.

Next to her, Arthur sat silently carrying the tremendous weight of guilt. At Dumbledore's urging he had tacked two sentences at the end of his muggle protection act that had passed several years ago. 'In the case of capital crimes, the Minister of Magic is specifically prohibited from recommending a sentence below that which is proscribed by the law. The removal of this clause shall not affect cases that have already been charged.' It was an airtight amendment.

His mind replayed his conversation with Hammer regarding hiring additional security. It was a mistake that had ended her life and shattered his own.

He was broken from his reverie by Abraxan's words. "You have been charged and admitted guilt of the charge of reckless use of magic resulting in the death of Director of Magical Law Enforcement, Connie Doreen Hammer. Before I pass sentence, do you have any words that you would like to say? She nodded and the magical chains that had bound him to the chair unraveled themselves and fell to the floor allowing the teen to stand.

Ron rose from the chair, faced her and said, "I admit that the Reducto charm that came from my wand hit Director Hammer. I cannot take it back, and for that I am truly sorry. I apologize to you Minister and to the Wizengamot. I accept whatever judgment that you see fit to pass, for I am Gryffindor and I am Weasley."

"I wish to express my love to my parents and my brothers and sister. I wish to tell the wizarding world that I am proud to be Harry Potter's friend. Harry, Mione, I'll miss you."

…---…

Two hours later it was quiet in the room at St. Mungo's. Thomas had snapped Ron's wand and he'd been taken to the wizarding hospital. Molly had never been so proud of any of her children in her life as when Ron said his words to Abraxan.

Professor Steve Light led the young man to one of the hospital beds and gave him a small glass of potion to drink. The last words that he said before going to sleep were, "The Cannons look good this year." Light smiled in agreement and carefully began his work. Winthrop and Thomas sat in the observation room as Light carefully obliviated the wizarding being out of Ron. Following his checklist, he was very methodical in his work.

Three hours later he began adding the long silver threads from the two pensives that were at his side.

… --- …

Two hundred miles to the southwest, Molly and Arthur were having dinner alone. Fleur, Bill, Charlie and the twins had each offered to stay with them as had Poppy and several members of the Order.

Molly had politely sent them away. She had made a simple meal of bread and stew for her husband and companion of nearly 28 years. Neither of them were large consumers of alcohol, although tonight there was a partially full bottle of Ogden's at their table. It was what was left from their family toast from the day before. Arthur had originally bought several cases for the wedding, which seemed a lifetime ago.

As he was pouring them each a small glass, Molly heard a snap and a flutter as she watched Ron's hand fall from the Weasley family clock. She bent down and carefully picked it up. She looked at it for a minute before sliding open the lid of the small polished box containing several dozen hands that had fallen from the ancient clock over many years. Without saying a word, she carefully put the box back in the china cabinet. She went to her husband's waiting arms and sobbed.

… --- …

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